The two drones sped neck and neck through a tunnel, one of the obstacles on their course, and zoomed toward the finish line, near a merry-go-round on a children’s playground. The audience, shrouded in barbecue smoke from food stands, stared tensely at a big screen, which offered a drone’s-eye view of the race.

Suddenly, the screen showed a close-up shot of grass. The drones had crashed to the ground.

“This is insane! This is brutal! They collided!” the announcer shouted. “I wonder what the judges are going to do now?”

Then, to everyone’s surprise, another drone came into view, flying very slowly. The race was still on.

Unnoticed, Sgt. Zakhar Korol, 37, had been carefully piloting his drone through the course, taking 11 minutes to fly what was intended to be a five-minute sprint.

The tortoise would beat the hares.

“Here he is, the champion, Mr. Speed!” the announcer bellowed, and the crowd began to laugh.