Running for Recovery: Registration Opens for MHP Run4Victory Charity Marathons in Kyiv and Cherkasy

The MHP Run4Victory 2026 charity runs focus on recovery — both personal and collective. All proceeds (100%) from race registrations and donations collected during the marathons in Kyiv and Cherkasy will be directed to Ukrainian service members and veterans undergoing rehabilitation at Protez Foundation and the MSC Dnipro Medical Center.

Now in its third consecutive year, MHP Run4Victory is organized by MHP in partnership with the MHP–Hromadi Charitable Foundation. This year’s official sports organizer is New Run.

On May 16–17, MHP Run4Victory will take place in the very heart of Kyiv. On September 19–20, Cherkasy will host a marathon for the first time in the city’s history, coinciding with City Day celebrations.

Race distances

• 42 km — for experienced marathon runners seeking the ultimate challenge
• 21 km — for prepared runners taking on a half marathon
• 10 km — for those testing their endurance
• 5 km and 2 km — for first-time participants and charity runs
• 500 m — the inclusive “People Titans” distance, open to everyone strong in spirit
• Online distance — to run together regardless of location
• 500 m, 300 m, and 100 m — free races for the youngest participants

The MHP Run4Victory charity runs are pet-friendly, allowing participants to run alongside their pets.

Awards and prizes

The top three finishers of the half marathon and the first five finishers of the marathon distances will receive cash prizes.

Winners across other race categories will be awarded valuable non-cash prizes, while the fastest participants under the age of 13 in children’s races will receive special distinctions.

Full details are available in the official Prize Structure (link to Prize Structure 2026 MHP Run4Victory).

«MHP Run4Victory charity runs promote a culture of sport, unity, and shared responsibility for the country’s recovery. For the third season in a row, the project has brought Ukrainians together in support of defenders and their families. This year, participation is also a way to help Ukrainians recover physically and emotionally. Every run creates real impact — for those on the starting line and for those undergoing prosthetics and rehabilitation after the war. In this simple yet powerful act of running and creating change, we see the true value of the project», — said Oleksandr Pakholiuk, Director of the MHP–Hromadi Charitable Foundation.

MHP Run4Victory: proven impact

The MHP Run4Victory charity runs will take place for the third time.

In 2025, the initiative was held in five Ukrainian cities, bringing together over 7,500 participants and raising more than UAH 5 million to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, including:

• 118th Separate Mechanized Brigade (Cherkasy): two Autel Evo Max 4N reconnaissance drone systems
• 13th National Guard Brigade “Khartiia” (Kyiv): four ground robotic systems
• 44th Separate Mechanized Brigade (Ternopil): eight DJI Mavic 3 Pro drones
• 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade (Lutsk): ten DJI Mavic 3 Pro drones
• 59th Separate Mechanized Brigade (Vinnytsia): two DJI Matrice 4T drones

«MHP Run4Victory are large-scale marathons where sport gains deeper meaning. Last year, we brought together nearly 8,000 people around a shared idea — to run and to support. It is important for us that these marathons remain accessible to participants of all fitness levels, from first-start and respect distances to the full marathon»,
— noted Oksana Syvets, Director of New Run.

Stories that define the spirit of MHP Run4Victory

The true essence of MHP Run4Victory is best conveyed through personal stories — of those who run not for results, but to support themselves and others.

Last year, Oleksii Lobanok, a veteran, physical development and safety mentor at UAL, and a Kyiv Marathon participant, joined MHP Run4Victory. He completed the 21 km half marathon on a prosthetic limb:

«I ran the half marathon together with my students. It was difficult, but incredibly motivating. For me, this distance proved that no injury can undermine faith in oneself».

Viktoriia Chaika has been running for over 20 years and has ultramarathon experience. The war took her husband, Pavlo, a captain of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, marathon runner, «cyborg», and the first full кавалер (full recipient) of the Order of Courage in Ukraine. She founded a running school and creates events dedicated to his memory:

«Running became my way to honor Pavlo’s memory and preserve his spirit. He lived with dignity, and I want his memory to continue living on».

These deeply personal stories become part of the larger MHP Run4Victory marathons — where every start carries a deeper meaning.

Registration

• Registration for the MHP Run4Victory 2026 marathons is now open. Secure your distance via the RaceNext app: https://racenext.app/
• An early registration discount of 28% is available until January 31.
• Participation is free of charge for Ukrainian defenders, people with disabilities, and pensioners.
• A 15% discount is available for corporate teams of 10 or more participants.
• For details, please contact: [email protected]