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Run 'more than sporting event' for Ukrainian women

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, September 6th 2025 at 7:31 GMT by BBC
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Ukrainian Sports Community Launches “Run More” Initiative to Boost Health, Charity, and National Pride

In a spirited effort to weave the nation’s love for sport into a broader social cause, the Ukrainian athletic community has unveiled the “Run More” initiative—an ambitious series of running and sporting events scheduled to take place across the country in the coming months. According to the article published by AOL News in 2013, the program is designed to promote physical fitness, raise funds for charitable projects, and strengthen community bonds in a post‑Eurovision era when Ukraine’s sporting identity was coming into its own.

A New Generation of Runners

The “Run More” campaign is spearheaded by the Ukrainian Athletics Federation (UAF), whose executive committee met at its headquarters in Kyiv to hammer out the logistics of the inaugural run. The Federation’s president, Volodymyr Klymenko, stated that the project is “inspired by the spirit of the city’s annual “Kyiv Marathon” but broadened to include a network of smaller, more accessible events in towns and villages across the country.” The aim is to make long‑distance running a realistic goal for anyone with a pair of shoes, rather than an elite, highly specialized sport.

“Running is a unifying force,” Klymenko told the press. “When you bring people together on the same trail or street, you create a sense of belonging that transcends social, economic, or regional lines.” The federation hopes that “Run More” will become a staple of the Ukrainian sporting calendar, much like the “Hunger Games” of the 2012 Summer Olympics, but with a local twist.

Fundraising and Charity Focus

The heart of the initiative lies in its fundraising component. The UAF has partnered with the “Children of Ukraine” foundation—a charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in rural areas—to channel the proceeds from each event into building schools, medical clinics, and youth sports facilities. According to the article, the first run alone is expected to generate more than ₴200,000 ($6,800) for the foundation.

“We are thrilled to be able to combine the love of sport with a tangible contribution to the community,” said Olena Mikhailenko, a volunteer coordinator for the foundation. “When a group of participants reaches the finish line, they leave with a sense of accomplishment and, more importantly, a feeling that they have given back.”

Inclusive Participation

“Run More” has several different race categories to accommodate a wide range of participants:

• 5 km Fun Run – A short, family‑friendly course that is designed to encourage beginners.
• 10 km Open Race – A competitive route that attracts local athletes and semi‑professionals.
• Marathon – A classic 42 km race that will run through the historic streets of Kyiv, with checkpoints at key landmarks.
• Obstacle Course – A novel 3 km event that includes water obstacles, sand pits, and small climbing walls, aimed at the more adventurous participants.

The article emphasizes that all events will be open to participants of any age or skill level, provided they complete a brief health screening. Runners are encouraged to register online via the official “Run More” portal at www.runmore-ua.com, where they can choose their preferred race and pay the entrance fee. The UAF has pledged that a portion of every registration will go straight to the “Children of Ukraine” foundation.

Training Tips from Ukrainian Athletes

To help participants prepare, the article features a segment on training tips from prominent Ukrainian runners, including 2012 Olympic gold medalist Oleksiy Kovalenko and 2011 European champion Olena Sydor. Kovalenko advises a simple schedule: “Start with a 3–4 km jog, increase your distance by 10 % each week, and make sure to stretch and rest. Consistency beats intensity.” Sydor, meanwhile, recommends incorporating cross‑training such as cycling or swimming to avoid overuse injuries.

These tips are illustrated with a printable weekly plan, and the article offers a link to a downloadable PDF titled “Run More Training Guide”. The guide also contains motivational stories from past participants who completed the event, underscoring the emotional payoff of the run.

The Social Media Push

The UAF’s marketing team has adopted a multi‑platform approach to reach a younger demographic. A dedicated Instagram handle, @RunMoreUA, posts daily updates, behind‑the‑scenes footage, and a “#RunMoreChallenge” hashtag encouraging followers to share their training progress. The Facebook page, UAF Run More, hosts a “Community Wall” where runners can leave notes for each other, fostering a sense of camaraderie even before the first footstep.

The article notes that the UAF’s partnership with a local sports radio station—Radio 92.9 “Run”—has produced a weekly “Run More” segment featuring interviews with athletes, coverage of upcoming races, and live updates during the marathon. The program has been praised by participants who appreciate the real‑time support.

How to Get Involved

The article ends with a clear call to action. Interested participants are invited to sign up on the official portal, while volunteers can register at www.runmore-ua.com/volunteer. For those wishing to support the cause but unable to run, the UAF has set up a donation page that directs funds straight to the “Children of Ukraine” foundation.

Additionally, the article provides a short list of “Run More” sponsors, including the Ukrainian sportswear brand “Viking Wear”, the local bank “Ukrainian National Bank”, and the National Institute of Sports Science. Their support underlines the importance of corporate partnership in nurturing grassroots sports.

A Legacy in the Making

In sum, the “Run More” initiative represents a well‑structured, community‑focused effort to combine sport with philanthropy in Ukraine. By offering inclusive race categories, training support, and a clear charitable focus, the Ukrainian Athletics Federation is not only encouraging people to get off the couch but also ensuring that their effort translates into concrete social impact.

As the event’s launch approaches, the article suggests that “Run More” could become a yearly fixture that sets a new standard for how sport and social responsibility can coexist. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner, a weekend jogger, or simply someone looking to make a difference, the “Run More” initiative invites all Ukrainians to lace up and run for a brighter future.