Run for Ukraine: Join 2024 online charity run to support Ukrainian soldiers

What's the problem?

Since Russia started its full-scale war in 2022, the Ukrainian army has been protecting its country and people against the onslaught of the aggressor. The infantry, which defends Ukrainian positions, is one of those crucial parts of the Ukrainian military that needs constant military support. 

The infantry battalions of the 71st Separate Ranger Brigade, Ukraine's Air Assault Forces unit operating on one of the most intense front lines, urgently need handheld grenade launchers to effectively hold back the enemy and prevent it from advancing further into Ukrainian territory.

What's the solution?

The Ukrainian non-profit organization Hurkit Charity Fund has taken on the task of equipping two battalions of the 71st Separate Ranger Brigade with the necessary weapons. The foundation is close to completing the fundraising but still needs to raise an additional ₴120,000, or nearly $3,000.

To achieve this goal, Hurkit has announced an online charity run called "Running for Those in Combat Boots 2024." The foundation invites everyone to help "run" the fundraiser to buy FORT-600 grenade launchers for the 71st Separate Ranger Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces — whenever and wherever it's convenient for participants.

How does it work?

Running and donating to Ukraine's Armed Forces

The infantry battalions urgently need handheld grenade launchers to stop the aggressor. Photo from the foundation's archive

Like most large foundations, Hurkit is gradually shifting away from meeting the Ukrainian military's basic needs and concentrating on larger projects. Typically, these involve purchasing equipment or technology that gives a unit a long-term advantage on the battlefield or comprehensively meets the unit's needs for specific tasks.

"To put it simply, we want to provide more than just 1-2 thermal imagers, which would only solve the problem for one squad of 10-12 people," says Anatolii Rybachok, a volunteer with the foundation and co-organizer of the "Running for Those in Combat Boots 2024" event. "Now, we strive to equip an entire battalion with these resources."

A good example is this very fundraiser for 40 grenade launchers for the 71st Separate Ranger Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces. These launchers will equip two of the brigade's infantry battalions, fully meeting their needs for this type of weapon.

However, completing these projects requires a lot of money. Hosting sports events where people donate during registration helps to reach the fundraising goal quickly.

Participants of the Hurkit's run. Photo from the foundation's archive

This past July, the Hurkit Charity Fund held its second charity run to support the Ukrainian forces. Eight hundred sixteen participants ran various distances at the running tracks at the Expocenter in Kyiv and online, including many cities around Ukraine and the world, like Snihurivka, Mykolaiv, Brandenburg, London, and others.

"The idea of running and donating resonates strongly with people. They feel the impact: 'I run and donate to the Armed Forces,'" says the volunteer.

The July run raised about ₴650,000, or almost $16,000. The fundraising goal is  ₴1,600,000 ($38,827), so the foundation came up with the idea to organize another run in August to finish the fundraising.

Where and when?

Participants of the Hurkit's run. Photo from the foundation's archive

The online running format allows participants to run anywhere, anytime, and any distance. Anyone can join — whether a baby in the belly running with their mother or a war veteran.

The online participation for the run will continue until September 1. You can bring friends, parents, children, pets, or run alone anywhere in the world.

To join, you need to register, donate to the cause, run any comfortable distance, and post about it on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #Hurkit_sportyvnyy.

The charity entry fee is ₴600 or $15. Soldiers can participate without a donation. Contact the foundation if you are in the military, and they will coordinate you.

Participants in the online run will receive:

• A starter kit
• A bullet casing medal
• Commemorative stickers

Medals for the participants of the "Running for Those in Combat Boots 2024" charity run. Photo from the foundation's archive

The participants' medals are made from 12.7 caliber bullets fired at enemy drones. The casings have been turned into special awards.

The event organizers say, "We proudly present this medal to everyone who crosses the finish line. This award means you ran with Hurkit to support those who defend us!"

If you cannot participate in the run yourself, you can just donate to the cause.

Does this really work?

Pictured: Some participants from the previous run. Photo from the foundation's archive.

The Hurkit Charity Fund regularly hosts sports and cultural events. Last year, these events raised over ₴5 million, or $120,000. They have already held six events this year and are approaching last year's number with four months still to go.

"We run, swim, cycle, play table tennis, football, and chess. We also successfully held the Street Music Day festival," says coordinator Anatolii Rybachok. "Of course, we don't do all of this alone. We have partners for almost every event, allowing us to host great events and attract more people, which means more donations and support for the defense forces."

Military personnel and veterans also participate in the Hurkit's charity runs. Photo from the foundation's archive

For the second year, civilians and soldiers participate in the "Running for Those in Combat Boots" run. Registration is free for the military.

"Last year, a few people ran in full gear — it was very impactful," Anatolii Rybachok shares. "I especially want to mention the injured soldiers who also chose comfortable running distances. Some ran with crutches, some with the support of friends or family."

Some ran to encourage their fellow soldiers. Others ran in memory of friends who, unfortunately, are no longer with us.

"We witnessed a very touching moment — we hadn't even started our event in Kyiv yet, and soldiers from a front-line town had already sent us photos showing they had completed their run online. It's vital for us to feel this response not only from the civilian population but also from those for whom we do all events," says the run's co-organizer.

Hurkit's volunteer Anatolii Rybachok. Photo from the foundation's archive

Anatolii Rybachok also participates in the runs organized by his fund, but he does so after the offline event when he can "allow himself to take a breath, run his 5-10 kilometers, and reflect on everything and remember how great it was."

More helpful solutions!

Handheld FORT-600 grenade launchers for two infantry battalions of the 71st Separate Ranger Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Assault Forces, which Hurkit has already purchased. Photo from the foundation's archive

You can also donate to a personalized grenade launcher with your name, logo, or phrase engraved on it. Just message Hurkit and the foundation's representatives will contact you.