Talented schoolchildren from all over Russia became winners of the "Cultural Marathon-2025": their works became covers of digital books
The sixth all-Russian 'Cultural Marathon' has wrapped up with a creative showcase of book cover designs. Young participants from across the country reimagined classic and lesser-known literary works, with winning entries now displayed on the Yandex Books platform. The competition also revealed how fresh designs can boost interest in timeless literature.
This year’s marathon drew over 29,000 submissions, split into two main categories: 'Classic Reads' and 'Beyond the Curriculum'. Ten winners emerged in the classic section, while 50 took prizes for their takes on less conventional texts. Six additional entries received special recognition from Russia’s Ministry of Culture.
More than 4,000 libraries nationwide hosted design workshops, encouraging young artists to rethink book covers. Popular choices included Anton Chekhov’s *The Cherry Orchard*, Fyodor Dostoevsky’s *Crime and Punishment*, and Hans Christian Andersen’s *Thumbelina*. The awards ceremony on December 18 in Moscow marked the competition’s close, with winning artwork immediately featured on Yandex Books. Among the standout designs, Alevtina from Kazan depicted Gogol’s *The Overcoat* with the protagonist curled protectively inside his coat. Lev from Moscow sculpted a plasticine Thumbelina atop vibrant flowers, while Sofia from Yoshkar-Ola crafted a minimalist collage for Pushkin’s *The Captain’s Daughter*. Misha from Moscow won praise for his text-based collage of *Ruslan and Ludmila*, blending visual creativity with literary insight. The marathon’s impact extended beyond the competition. Data showed that subscribers on Yandex Books added classic titles to their reading lists 35 percent more often after seeing the modernised covers. Organisers have also announced plans to expand the program next year, offering new opportunities for participation.
The 2025 marathon highlighted how fresh design can reignite interest in classic literature. Winning covers are now available on Yandex Books, while libraries continue to support creative engagement with literary works. The initiative will return next year with an even broader reach.
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