The Kyiv Half Marathon was launched in 2011 by Run Ukraine, a community-based organization that organizes a series of road running events in Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. The inaugural half marathon was a relatively small-scale event, but it grew steadily and became a full member of the Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) in 2015.
Since its inception, the Kyiv Half Marathon has been canceled twice. In 2020, the in-person event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, although a virtual race was held in September. In 2022, the event was canceled due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However, it returned the next year under a new name, the Kyiv Unbroken Half Marathon.
The Kyiv Unbroken Half Marathon is practically the same event it used to be, but with one major change: half of the proceeds is donated to purchase equipment and supplies for the Hospitallers Medical Battalion, a volunteer medical battalion that has been participating in the Russo-Ukrainian War since its start in 2014.
As of 2024, the Kyiv Half Marathon was held over two days and included six individual races: the 5 km Nordic Walking race, the 1.6 km Unbroken Mile race, the 5 km Unbroken Five race, the 10 km Unbroken Ten race, the 21.0975 km Fast Line race, and the 21.0975 km Unbroken Half Marathon. The difference between the Fast Line race and the Unbroken Half Marathon is that the former is a special race for fast professional athletes. For those who cannot participate in the in-person race, the Kyiv Half Marathon has an online version.
In addition to individual adult races, the Kyiv Half Marathon includes children’s races (300 m, 500 m and 1000 m, separately for boys and girls). The 300 m children’s race has two variants: with or without parents. In the past, the program of the event also included relay races.
The Kyiv Half Marathon used to be held in downtown Kyiv, ending and starting at the Square of Contracts in the city’s historic Podil neighborhood. However, as of 2024, the event was held at the Expocenter of Ukraine (VDNG) in the Teremky neighborhood.
There are two main routes: one for the 5 km and 10 km races and the other for the half marathon race. The 5 km race consists of one lap, the 10 km race consists of two laps, and the half-marathon race consists of three laps. Along the route, there are hydration points, bathroom facilities, and first aid points. The venue also has three shelters in case of an air raid alert.
The Kyiv Half Marathon is not the only major road running event organized by Run Ukraine. Its sister events include the Kyiv Marathon, which is typically held in October, the Cross Fest (an athletic competition that combines cross-country racing, cyclo-cross, and duathlon), and Who’s First (a family-oriented sports competition for children and their parents).
Photo: kyivhalfmarathon.org
