Held at the Expocenter of Ukraine (VDNG) in Kyiv, the Nova Post “Barrier-Free Marathon” brought together participants, including people with disabilities, who ran without obstacles or hindrances.
“To date, more than 300,000 people have been granted disabled status in Ukraine due to two years of war”said event organizer and Nova Post co-founder Inna Popereshniuk.
“We make running accessible to everyone”added Ms. Popereshniuk.
Participants ran with their pets and strollers, while others moved in wheelchairs or with prosthetics. There were several starting points: 1, 5, 21 and 42 kilometers.
Several companies and volunteer organizations were represented at the event, such as Unbroken, a rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers, and the Association of Families of Azovstal Defenders.
“I will run mainly for the boys who were injured in the battles for Mariupol”said Kateryna Prokopenko, 29, chairwoman of the Association of Families of Azovstal Defenders and wife of an Azov Brigade commander. “Currently, they are held captive by the enemy and have no access to medical treatment or essential rehabilitation.”