**Ukrainian Charity Half Marathon Raises 2.2 Million Hryvnias for Rehabilitation Programs**
In a heartwarming display of resilience and determination, hundreds of participants joined forces in Lviv’s charity half marathon to raise funds for rehabilitation programs. The event, which took place on May 3-4, saw a staggering 2.2 million hryvnias ($53,000) raised for Ukrainians affected by the war.
**A Weekend of Running and Fun**
The weekend kicked off with children’s races on May 2, where nearly 700 young participants completed 100-meter and 500-meter distances. On May 4, adult competitions took place across multiple distances, including a team five-kilometer race. What’s remarkable is that the event catered to all ages, from a mere 4-month-old participant to a proud 78-year-old runner.
**A Special Tribute to those Overcoming Adversity**
This year’s organizers aimed to raise a total of 7 million hryvnias ($168,000) for barrier-free projects, medical equipment, supplies, and prosthetics for patients at the UNBROKEN Center. The Unbroken National Rehabilitation Center in Lviv provides free medical care and rehabilitation for adults and children affected by the war.
A special “Support Run” took place during the event, where over 100 people led the run, all currently undergoing treatment and recovery from severe injuries sustained during the war. This symbolic one-kilometer race honored those learning to take their first steps again and returning to active life.
**Inspirational Stories of Courage and Resilience**
Among the participants was 14-year-old Yana Stepanenko, who lost both legs in a missile strike on the Kramatorsk railway station in 2022. Incredibly, she took her first steps on prosthetics two years ago and has since become an inspiration to many, participating in prestigious world marathons to raise funds for veterans’ prosthetics.
Other inspiring stories included Oleksandr Zhavnenko, a 36-year-old professional dancer who was forced to adapt to life with prosthetics after losing his limbs during the war. “A year ago, I couldn’t imagine being able to run again. But thanks to support, prosthetics, and my own determination – it became possible,” he said.
Mykola Shot, a veteran who lost all his limbs in the war, also participated in the event, completing his first kilometer alongside his physical therapist just days after receiving running feet. “This is my first race – and the first step toward a big dream. Next – the Paralympic Games. I want to show the world that even after the most severe losses, we are able not only to survive, but to live to the fullest,” he said.
**A Celebration of Unity**
The event was organized by Nova Post, Ukraine’s largest logistics company, together with NewRun, a company that has been organizing Ukraine’s largest running events since 2015. The co-founder of Nova Post, Inna Popereshniuk, stated, “Our marathons are for everyone. For professional runners and amateurs, for those running with pets or with babies in strollers, for veterans with prosthetics or in wheelchairs and so on. We strive to make our events unite Ukrainians.”
**Conclusion**
The Lviv charity half marathon is a testament to the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the face of adversity. The funds raised will go towards rehabilitation programs for those affected by the war, a vital step towards healing and recovery. As Mykola Shot said, “Even after the most severe losses, we are able not only to survive, but to live to the fullest.”
