From a wine run to a Christmas day half-marathon, these are the events Kyiv citizens and visitors may want to check out if they’re into running.
KOZAK Challenge 2016
The KOZAK challenge is an annual Kyiv festival of sport, music and active lifestyle. The main race is 3 kilometers long with 15 obstacles. For each obstacle there is a punishment that needs to be served if a participant fails to overcome it. A lighter version of the race, other sports activities and healthy delicious foods will also be available at the festival. Register here: https://athletic-events.com/en/events/353
KOZAK challenge 2016. Druzhby Narodiv Park (Trukhaniv Island). Oct. 2. 10 a.m. Hr 150-300
Kyiv Wine Run
Wine lovers needn’t worry about gaining weight from their Merlots and Pinot Noirs, because Kyiv Wine Run offers to burn off the calories consumed ahead of time by running 5 kilometers. Upon completion of the race every participant is offered a glass of wine. There will also be a wine tasting and a giveaway of wine cases, exclusive wine bottles and other wine prizes. Register here: https://athletic-events.com/en/events/355
Kyiv Wine Run. Kyiv. VDNG (1 Glushkova Prospect). Oct. 2. 12 midday. Hr 200
Wizzair Kyiv City Marathon
Since Kyiv joined an honorary list of the cities with their own annual marathon runs in 2010, the numbers of participants have been significantly growing each year. This year, the highlight of the event will be a new route at a distance of 42.195 km going through Khreshchatyk, near Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, past the St. Michael Cathedral and other picturesque places of Kyiv. This is the biggest running event of the year in Ukraine, so it is certainly not to be missed. Register here: http://en.kyivmarathon.org/?_ga=1.262678924.1040258960.1461178766
Wizzair Kyiv City Marathon. Kyiv. 20/22 Khreshchatyk Str. Oct. 9. 9 a.m. Hr 200-660
XXXIII Energodar Marathon
The XXXIII fitness and sports festival “Energodar Marathon” is dedicated to the 73rd anniversary of the liberation of Kamianka-Dniprovska region from Nazi invaders. Register here: https://athletic-events.com/en/events/350
XXXIII Energodar marathon. Palace of Culture “Suchasnyk”. Energodar in Zaporizhia Oblast. Oct. 15. Free of charge.
RUNUP! 110 floors for Kyivmiskbud Cup
This one is a little more challenging – two trips up and down 36 floors. The three male and female finishers with the best times will compete in a 38-floor final to win the Kyivmiskbud Cup. If not competing for the cup, one can take part just for the spectacular Kyiv panorama view that is offered from the roof of the building, where the race ends. Register here: https://athletic-events.com/en/events/352
RUNUP! 110 floors for Kyivmiskbud Cup. 21-V Vozzyednannya Ave. Oct. 15. 10 a.m. Hr 300
“Crazy elks” race
This is a race to make one’s brain and body work in unison. Participants work in teams of 2 and are given a time limit of 6 hours to come up with an individual route and distance in order to find as many checkpoints as they can. Each checkpoint has a number of points that is awarded to the team once it is found. Register here: https://athletic-events.com/en/events/356
“Crazy elks” race. 54 Kvitky Tsisyk St., Pushcha-vodytsia (suburb of Kyiv) Nov. 5. 12 midday. Hr 400 (for 2 people).
Grand Prix Lviv Half Marathon
Whether for a first-time visit or just for seeing it from a different angle, Lviv invites all runners to take part in Grand Prix Lviv Half Marathon. This is the closing event of Run Ukraine Running League 2016. Register here: http://lvivhalfmarathon.org
Grand Prix Lviv Half Marathon. Lviv Opera Theatre. Nov. 6. 9 a.m. Hr 150-350
The Mezhygirrya Redemption
A traditional concept run at Ukraine’s former president’s ex-residence. A distance of either 5.5 kilometers or 10 kilometers can be chosen. Every finisher will receive a medal and a hot snack straight from the barbeque. Register here: https://athletic-events.com/en/events/342
The Mezhygirrya Redemption. Novi Petrivtsi village (15 kilometers away from Kyiv). Nov. 6. 9 a.m. Hr 350
Yule Christmas Half Marathon
Participants just need to bring their seasonal cheer and Santa suits. Snow, ice, wind, and frost will all be provided free. Register here: https://athletic-events.com/en/events/335
Yule Christmas Half Marathon. 1 Shevchenko Sq, Vyshgorod (21 kilometers away from Kyiv). Dec. 25. 12 midday. Hr 275
