NEW YORK – Ukrainian Running Club New York underscores that, while we can’t be together physically because of COVID-19 restrictions, we can be together and run together virtually.
Thus, Ukrainian Running Club New York is inviting all to participate in the Ukraine Virtual 5K Run/Walk. This event will unite Ukrainians around the world and is a great way to celebrate Ukraine’s 29th Independence Day in an active way.
The distance of the virtual run/walk is 5 kilometers (3.1 miles); participants can run or jog or walk anywhere in the world. Both adults and children are welcome.
The dates of the virtual event are August 22-30. Participants are encouraged to run/jog or walk on the Independence Day of Ukraine (August 24) wearing “vyshyvanky” (embroidered shirts). They should share their activity on social media by using the hashtag #virtualukrainerun, and tagging @urcny on Instagram and Ukrainian Running Club New York on Facebook. The best post, as chosen by the race committee, will earn a prize: a branded URC hat.
To register and find out more details go to: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Yourcity/UkraineRunbyUkrainianRunningClubNewYork. The participation fee is $15, which covers registration and the cost of a cool souvenir – a face mask with a printed vyshyvanka and tryzub.
All participants who complete the registration process by August 20 should receive their face masks by August 24. Those registering after August 20 should receive their face masks in the first weeks of September.
Ukrainian Running Club New York is a welcoming community of enthusiastic people of all ages and ability levels who share a passion for running. Its mission is to promote a healthy and active lifestyle among the Ukrainian community in the United States and the world. The club has been organizing community runs and events since 2008.
Here is the impact the club has made so far:
- In 2017, the club sent 120-plus pairs of sports shoes and athletic apparel to kids affected by the war in Ukraine.
- In 2018, thanks to collected funds, the club helped kids with autism at the special education school Skhodynky in Kyiv.
- In 2019, the generous donations of participants made the dream of Ukrainian disabled athlete Serhiy Amelko come true: he received a new sports wheelchair.
- In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, and the club is now asking for donations so that it can continue to help Ukrainians, inspire even more people to run and organize more events for Ukrainian community in the U.S.