The third annual "Run for the Ukrainian Language" race took place in Kyiv: over 500 participants ran to promote the Ukrainian language and support prisoners of war

400 Ukrainians ran at the Kyiv VDNH - children, adults, veterans, influencers, those who were captured by the enemy or are still waiting for the release of their loved ones. The race in the capital became the final stage of the annual traditional "Run for the Ukrainian Language", which is organized for the third time by the United Movement with the support of partners. 1+1 media became the media partner of the event. Previously, from August 24 to 31, 133 participants ran online.

In addition to the traditional and main goal - to popularize the transition to the Ukrainian language, this year's race was dedicated to Ukrainians who are in Russian captivity. Therefore, one of the partners of "Run for the Ukrainian Language"-2025 was the project to support the defenders of Mariupol and their families "Heart of Azovstal". And among those who covered the 1 km distance was a marine, veteran and ambassador of the NGO “Heart of Azovstal” Oleksandr Didur.

According to the co-founder of the “United Movement” Ivan Kapelyushnyk, the theme of this year’s race was chosen with the idea that speaking Ukrainian is a freedom and a right that thousands of brave soldiers are currently defending. And those who are still in the enemy’s captivity are forcibly deprived of this right.

“This year we ran for the freedom of every Ukrainian man and woman who found themselves in captivity. While they are being held there, we must not be silent and act here. I am grateful to everyone who supported the initiative and am confident that “I am running for the Ukrainian language” will continue next year,” Kapelyushnyk noted.

Traditionally, 1+1 media became the main media partner of the event. The company’s employees, together with General Director Yaroslav Pakholchuk, covered various distances. In addition, the ambassadors of "Run for the Language" were TSN 1+1 presenter Marichka Padalko and former goalkeeper of the Ukrainian national football team, author of the YouTube project of the same name, Denys Boyko.

“We are very glad that our colleague Dmytro Khylyuk, a correspondent for the UNIAN news agency, will return from captivity. And it seems to me that such events help us to support both those who are still in captivity and their families. This is an opportunity to throw out our negative emotions, experiences and in this way feel the strength, feel the strength to wait for our loved ones from captivity. And I am sure: we will wait for everyone!”, – said Marichka Padalko.

“Run for the Ukrainian Language” was also supported by the teams of the 13th brigade of the Charter National Guard, Hearts of Azovstal, Yarmich, Radabank, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Network for Children’s Rights, and the Stalevi NGO.

This year’s race was made possible thanks to the support of the Growth Fund of Ukraine, UniverPL, the Ukrainian producer of natural juices Gaderia, Radabank, as well as cooperation with the Kyiv City State Administration and VDNH. The official water partner is Morshynska.

In general, participants covered distances from 300 meters for children to 21 km for adults. However, most admit that it was not a race for a sporting result, but a race for dignity.

“This event is not so much about sports as about our strength and values. About the fact that the Ukrainian language is still a weapon that we will not let be silenced. Our team motivates not only to speak, but also to think in Ukrainian,” emphasized Viktoriya Kostyuk, head of the NGO “Rukh Edini”.

Funds collected from registrations will be directed to holding free courses and Ukrainian conversation clubs in front-line and de-occupied communities, as well as educational programs for veterans and internally displaced persons.

For reference: “Rukh Edini” is a public organization that promotes the Ukrainian language and helps Ukrainians switch to it. Thanks to the movement's initiatives, over 560,000 people have started speaking Ukrainian since 2022. The team has held over 8,000 conversation clubs, two large-scale forums, book meetings, and campaigns with the participation of public ambassadors.