Supporting Sport and Charity: The Polissya Half Marathon
World boxing champion Alexander Usyk has reached out to sports enthusiasts with a video message endorsing the Polissya Half Marathon, scheduled for October 24-25, 2026, in Zhytomyr. Participants can choose from 21 km, 10 km, or 5 km races, as well as a 1 km charity run. For those unable to attend in person, organizers have arranged an option to participate online.
All registration fees collected from the charity distances will be donated to the 132nd Separate Reconnaissance Battalion of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces. Registration closed on October 21, 2026, and was available individually or for teams via the BGV Charity Foundation website and the RaceNext app for the 21, 10, and 5 km events.
Event Organization and Purpose
The half marathon is a collaborative effort between the Zhytomyr City Council, the BGV Charity Foundation, and NewRun. On August 4, 2026, these organizations signed a memorandum of cooperation to bring the event to life. Their goal is to revive Zhytomyr’s tradition of large-scale running events and promote a healthy lifestyle. The organizers expect around 1,500 runners from various regions across Ukraine.
- Race distances: 21, 10, and 5 kilometers
- 1-kilometer charity run
- Free children’s races of 100, 300, and 500 meters
Children’s free races ensure the event is inclusive and accessible for all ages. Beyond supporting the half marathon, Usyk has recently taken the role of vice president at the Polissya football club, demonstrating his commitment to advancing sports in the region.
'The most important thing is to just get to the start line,' Usyk encouraged in his message, inviting everyone to join the event.
The Polissya Half Marathon not only fosters a sporting tradition in Zhytomyr but also highlights the crucial role of supporting Ukraine’s military through charitable events. Activities like this strengthen community unity amid current challenges. The involvement of high-profile athletes like Alexander Usyk boosts the event’s visibility and inspires people toward an active lifestyle.
As excitement builds for the upcoming Polissya Half Marathon, it's essential to note that registration is still open for participants of all ages and abilities. Discover more about the various race distances and the inclusive opportunities available by checking out the details in our article on the Polissya Half Marathon.