Local authorities of the Leningrad region have prohibited holding of the Bubble Baba Challenge - a river race on rubber women, which has a 10-years-old history.

      The unusual event takes place annually on August 25. All participants compete in the race using rubber women as a floating equipment. However, this year many fans of the race were left disappointed as the region's authorities banned it pleading a very high level of water in the river and a repair work on its bridges.

      In their turn, the race's organizers say they've complied with all necessary safety requirements. They believe the prohibition was somehow linked with the growth of protest movement in Russian society, which makes officials ban almost all people's gatherings.

      Last year about 543 people from 15 to 59 years took part in the funny race, several participants from France among them.