A familiar race returns: Zhytomyr to host half marathon for defenders
An agreement will be signed by the Zhytomyr City Council, the BGV Charitable Foundation, and NEWRAN LLC to organize the Polissia Half Marathon, Zhytomyr, set for October. The race carries a philanthropic mission centered on veterans, active-duty service members, and people with disabilities, positioning it as a major event for the local community.
This edition revives a tradition that ran from 2016 to 2021, when Zhytomyr held its Space Half Marathon. BGV Charitable Foundation is the title partner, delivering financial and logistical backing plus social, charitable, and inclusion-oriented initiatives around the race. NEWRAN LLC handles the athletic and operational side, including route design, timing, participant registration, start village management, medical coverage, and direct outreach to runners.
The city council's executive committee will support the planning process by approving the route, arranging temporary road closures, and coordinating municipal services. It will also contribute funding and informational support. Iryna Kovalchuk, head of the council's family, youth, and sports department, described the run as a continuation of Zhytomyr's existing sporting heritage.
This is more than a return to racing; it is a statement about standing behind veterans and people with disabilities.
The "Unbreakable" half marathons in Kyiv and Odesa already run a Veteran Sport program that provides quarterly financial aid for race participation. In addition, the annual Go to the Future charity run in Kyiv raises money for veterans who have lost limbs. The inclusive Strength in Unity race brings disabled and non-disabled participants onto the same course, reflecting the growing emphasis on accessibility in Ukrainian athletics.
In this way, the Polissia Half Marathon in Zhytomyr is more than a restored tradition—it is a concrete show of support for those who need it most. In Ukraine, running events are increasingly tied to social and charitable causes, and this race fits squarely into that movement.
Social responsibility on the run
Zhytomyr's decision to bring back its half marathon mirrors a broader national shift toward purpose-driven sporting events. These races do more than promote fitness; they also raise awareness of the challenges facing vulnerable groups, especially veterans and people with disabilities. Through the organizers' efforts, the event can serve as a platform for public engagement and encourage communities to take meaningful action in support of these groups.