Crossfest. Autumn Charity Sports Competitions Were Held in Kyiv

On November 9 and 10, a multi-sport event from Run Ukraine - Crossfest took place in Kyiv for the second time. Autumn 2024. This is a charity event that combined cross-country races, cycling races, duathlon, races with dogs and children's starts.

"We are grateful that people trust our new projects, participate in them and help support the Armed Forces of Ukraine, namely the 214th OPFOR battalion," said the organizational director of Run Ukraine, Ivan Tretyakov.

Thanks to Crossfest and its participants, the organizers managed to collect 180,000 hryvnias, which will be used to purchase DJI Mavic 3T drones for the 214th Special Separate OPFOR Battalion.

The event brought together more than 700 participants who competed both in the capital's Muromets park and online in different parts of Ukraine. Among them are athletes from Great Britain, Australia, Hungary and Sweden.

Traditionally, among the participants were military personnel who took part in a symbolic 200-meter race. These boys and girls are undergoing rehabilitation at the Tytanovi Rehab center.

"I have been recovering from an injury for a year and I wanted to show people that it is necessary to do sports and that it is possible under any circumstances. I want people to understand that it is useful and go out for a run instead of lying on the couch," commented Artem, who covered the distance in a wheelchair.

In addition, within the framework of the Crossfest, the finals of the Cross Country League took place - a project initiated by the Athletics Federation of Ukraine. Olha Nyzhnyk, a participant of the Olympic Games, triumphed at the distance of 10 km. This is her second victory at the Crossfest. Artem Kazban won the men's race at this distance.

In addition to professional athletes and amateurs, four-legged participants also took part: from small chihuahuas and pugs to huskies and sheepdogs. Serhii Dunyak and the parcel terrier Pis became the best at the distance of 1 kilometer with dogs.

"It was a debut for us. We ran together for the first time and it was very cool and interesting. I thought it would be difficult and Peace would pull in different directions, but everything was great. We worked synchronously and finished first", Serhii Dunyak shared his emotions immediately after the finish.

A duathlon and a duathlon relay were also held at the Crossfest, where the participants had to first run 5 km, then cycle 20 km and run 2.5 km again. Nataliya Kiselivska became the best among women in the duathlon, and Anton Blokhin became the best among men.

"The competition is organized very well. Every turn on the track is well marked, for which I thank the organizers and volunteers. I did not prepare particularly, but I trained a little and I am satisfied that I took the first place", Anton Blokhin commented on his performance.

Dmytro Melnikov and Nataliya Kovalevska finished first among men and women, respectively, in the 25 km MTB bicycle race.

"The course is not very difficult, but there were interesting sections with sand, where I even stopped," recalls Oleksandra Barabashnikova, who finished second. - I had a car accident and I'm just returning to training, so I don't miss any competitions and I thank the organizers for this holiday. In my opinion, such measures are very important now, because there is a lack of positive moments."