Eng
May 5, 2025

Running for the Unbroken: 5,000 runners took part in the Nova Post’s Charity Half Marathon in Lviv

On May 3-4, Lviv hosted the main sporting event of this spring, the Nova Post Lviv Half Marathon. Thanks to the charity runs, UAH 2.2 million was raised for the rehabilitation of Ukrainians.

The event kicked off on May 3 with children’s races of 100 and 500 meters. Nearly 700 kids completed their first-ever runs. On Sunday, adult races followed, covering distances of 1 km, 5 km, 10 km, 21 km, and a team relay. The youngest participant was just 4 months old, while the oldest was 78 years old.

The hosts, Nova Post in partnership with NewRun, placed special emphasis on accessibility, ensuring an inclusive environment at the starting area and along the routes. In particular, sign language interpreters were present, wheelchair-accessible changing rooms were provided, ramps were installed where needed, and there were feeding stations for four-legged participants as well as a baby care area. For the first time in Lviv, the traditional starter’s gunshot was replaced with a "Start Without a Shot" signal. It was developed by Nova Post together with international PTSD experts to avoid causing stress to those affected by war violence.

«Our marathons are for everyone. Professional runners and amateurs, those running with pets or strollers, veterans on prosthetics or in wheelchairs, people with mental disabilities, etc. We want our events to unite Ukrainians. Last year, we held the first barrier-free marathon in Kyiv, and today, we're continuing this tradition in Lviv,»

— says Inna Popereshniuk, co-founder of Nova Post.

The event was attended by professional runners, including Mykola Patsula, Dariia Mykhailova, and Maryna Nemchenko, as well as renowned influencers such as Vladyslav Khilchenko, Orysia Demianiuk, Alisa Dikalova, and others.

This year’s goal was not only athletic but also charitable: to raise UAH 7 million for barrier-free projects, medical equipment, supplies, and prosthetics for patients at the UNBROKEN Center.

So far, UAH 1.65 million has been collected from registration fees for the Lviv half marathon, with an additional UAH 550,000 donated via Dobro.ua.

A special “Support Run” took place during the half marathon. This symbolic 1-km run was dedicated to those learning to take their first steps again and reclaim their active lives. Over 100 representatives and patients of the center led the way, including those undergoing treatment and recovery from severe injuries sustained during the war.

Among them are 14-year-old Yana Stepanenko, Roman Chernenko, and Oleksandr Zhavnenko.

«A year ago, I couldn't imagine running again. However, thanks to support, prosthetics, and my own determination, it became possible. This isn’t just a run. It’s my personal challenge and victory,»

— says 36-year-old Oleksandr, a former professional dancer before the war.

Another debut runner was Mykola Shot, a veteran who lost all his limbs in the war. Just days before the marathon, he received running prosthetics, and on race day, he completed his first kilometer alongside his physical therapist.

«This is my first race and the first step toward a big dream. Next stop: the Paralympics. I want to show the whole world that even after the toughest losses, we’re capable of not just surviving, but living life to the fullest,»

— says Mykola.

Some veterans, like Olherd Sierov and Ivan Drozd, ran the full 21 km. Both runners also lost limbs during the hostilities.

«This year's half marathon proved that running can unite hearts and overcome even the toughest challenges. We're deeply grateful to every participant, volunteer, and partner for their support and belief in this idea. Together, we're not just covering kilometers, we're supporting the unbroken, inspiring recovery, and giving hope. See you at the next starting line! Let's keep moving forward, no matter what!»

— says Oksana Suchenko, Director of NewRun.

Fundraising continues on the dobro.ua platform under the Lviv Half Marathon: RUNNING FOR THE UNBROKEN project.