The Kyiv City Marathon was inaugurated in 2010; it was originally named after its main sponsor, the Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air. The first ever Kyiv marathon drew over 500 participants from 13 countries. The next year, the participation doubled. In 2014, almost 3,500 athletes from 32 countries took part in the marathon! That same year, the event was certified by the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS). The main goals of the marathon are to popularize healthy lifestyle, foster the development of mass sport in Ukraine, integrate Ukraine into the world marathon movement.
The main race of the Kyiv City Marathon is the classic marathon distance of 42.195 kilometers. However, not all participants are ready to face such a serious challenge. That’s why the organizers hold several additional races for those who would like to participate but prefer shorter distances. They include a half marathon (21.0975 kilometers), a 10 km race, a 5 km race, a 2 km race, children’s races (1000 meters, 500 meters, 100 meters), and relay races (2х21,0975 km, 2х11.0975 km, 2x10 km).
The routes of the Kyiv City Marathon races lie across the most picturesque places of the Ukrainian capital. The marathon typically takes place in late September or early October, when the weather isn’t too hot or too cold. There are no restrictions when it comes to gender or age of participants. However, runners who run the marathon or half-marathon distance are obliged to provide a medical certificate issued by a sports physician.
The Kyiv City Marathon is managed by Run Ukraine, a company that specializes in mass sporting events throughout Ukraine. Its events include Intersport Ukraine Run, Sport Expo Ua, Kyiv Half Marathon, Interpipe Dnipro Half Marathon, Odesa Half Marathon.
In 2020, the event was held online due to the coronavirus pandemic.
