Russia kicked off the Sochi 2014 Olympic torch relay in Moscow on Monday (October 7) with famous Russian athletes and Prince Albert of Monaco carrying the flame first as it starts its 123-day trek across the country.

Running just a few minutes apiece, torch bearers criss-crossed the Russian capital carrying the torch designed to resemble the feather of the mythical "Firebird".

Bosco apparel company chief MIkhail Kusnirovich and legendary Russian hockey goalie Vladislav Tretyak were two of the hundreds of runners taking part in the relay.

Security was high, and the day went off without many hiccups, except for the torch extinguishing itself along the route before being re-lit by technicians from the official torch lantern.

On Sunday (October 6), during a ceremonial loop around the Kremlin, the torch also blew out in a wind tunnel.

The flame, which arrived in Russia from Greece on Sunday will make its way on a 65,000-kilometre trek through Russia on its way to the Games to be held in Sochi in February 2014.

Presented by Adam Justice