Anyone can run the symbolic distance to support Ukraine. Anytime, anywhere.  

November 7, the day of the 2021 NYC Marathon, marked the start of another marathon, also held in New York. Yet this New York is a Ukrainian village located in the Donetsk region, less than a mile from the front line. The Marathon in New York No One Wants to Run aims to draw the world’s attention to Russian aggression in Eastern Ukraine. Starting today, anyone willing to take part in the run may do so by covering any distance, anywhere in the world, and so express their support for Ukraine.

Video: https://youtu.be/Lin-GUAKq0Y  

Credit: mlnk.team 

It has been seven years since Russia occupied Crimea and launched its war in Eastern Ukraine. It has de facto occupied two Ukrainian regions, a territory of over 6,000 sq mi, forcing over 1,5 million people to flee their homes, and 3 million to seek humanitarian assistance on a daily basis. For the Ukrainian people, this is an everyday run to survive with no finish line in sight. Without any support, it’s a grueling task.

This is why Ukrainians decided to launch their own Marathon in New York — in a small Ukrainian village also named New York, located in the Donetsk region, less than a mile from the front line. A marathon that aims to remind the world that the war waged by Russia in Ukraine is still ongoing, and to potentially get support from hundreds of thousands of people.

For the marathon’s first five runners, this war is by now an inseparable part of daily life. А soldier, a volunteer, an army medic, a war correspondent, and an IDP (internally displaced person). They urge the world to join them on their run. 

To support Ukraine, the organizers call upon all those interested to register for the The Marathon in New York No One Wants to Run by visiting marathonnoonewantstorun.org/en. Run it anywhere, anytime, and spread the word about the situation in Russian-occupied territories. Every person who registers will receive a marathon “starter pack”. It will include a collection of facts about the war. In addition, a marathon medal with an inlaid piece of bullet shell from Eastern Ukraine will be offered as a token of appreciation to every participant who helps Ukrainians reach the finish line and feel that they are not running this marathon alone.

A few hours after the start of the marathon campaign, more than 1,000 people from 15 countries signed up.

In less then 24 hours after the start of the marathon campaign, almost 10,000 people from 37 countries signed up.

Everyone who registers for the marathon will receive a runner starting set. It will contain a starting number with facts about the war in the east of Ukraine and postcards with photos of the famous Ukrainian photographer Oleksandr Chekmenyov, taken in Ukrainian New York. Afterwards, the participants will receive a medal that contains a part of the used sleeve from the east of Ukraine. The medal is our gratitude to everyone who supports Ukrainians in their daily marathon for life and freedom. Participation in the race is free of charge, but the support of participants is invaluable.