Running for Victory: a charity run in support of the military in Ternopil
On May 19, the center of Ternopil hosted a charity run. It gathered more than 500 runners from all over Ukraine. The winners and prize-winners received monetary awards, cups, and prizes. Western Hub of the MHP, the general sponsor of the event, provided a prize fund.
MHP Company along with the MHP-Gromadi Charity Foundation and the “Character” sports community organized the event. This run was also held supported by the Ternopil City Council and the Ternopil Regional Military Administration. Information partners were the Ternopil news agency 20 Minutes, Gazeta.ua, and Kraina Magazine.
Serhii Dobrohorskyi, Deputy Chairman of the MHP Management Board for Agribusiness:
“The international company MHP initiates the establishment of the RUN 4 VICTORY Run League to unite the efforts of businesses and communities aimed to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Teams from all agricultural enterprises of our company registered for today’s race.
I am very proud of this as the MHP agribusiness is not only about sowing or harvesting seasons. It is about the team spirit and the desire to move forward. Given any circumstances. Running is about intention and endurance. When all the world’s piers are collapsing, the most important thing are people around. In our case, it is the MHP family. Therefore, such runs show our common commitment to unite and help. Together we contribute to the victory of Ukraine!”
The event is held within the RUN 4 VICTORY Run League, which features four runs this year: in Ternopil, Vinnytsia (June), Cherkasy (September), and Ladyzhyn (October). The runs are held to collect registration fees of UAH 1.5 million to be then allocated to fund the requests by the military and the territorial defense units of each city hosting these events.
During the Ternopil run, the organizers collected UAH 260,000, and the MHP doubled this amount. These funds were used to acquire and supply the necessary equipment to the 105th Independent Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, Ternopil Region.
Uliana Baranova, head of the social development group, MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation:
“The run objective is to aid the military and unite communities. To prove the possibility to help even this way, to show that there are no small distances just like there are no minor donations. Thus, the Ternopil run is an event aimed to support the 105th Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, thousands of volunteers have joined it. Since then, defenders have been defending the borders of Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, and Donetsk regions. So let’s run together and help together! Everyone’s participation in RUN 4 VICTORY is a contribution to help our defenders. MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation calls everyone to join the next RUN 4 VICTORY events and prove that together we are unstoppable!”
A characteristic feature of the Ternopil run was a variety of distances – 2 to 21 kilometers, and also three distances for children. This allowed both professional runners and those who have just started this popular sport to take part.
There was also an opportunity to run any distance online, in one’s city, anywhere in Ukraine, and at the same time feel like a valid participant and even win a medal.
Serhiy Nadal, the Mayor of Ternopil:
“Since the war started, Ternopil has been actively helping our defenders. We acquire and supply equipment, tools, vehicles, clothes, and footwear at the request of military units, and we never cease such activities. Our city also actively supports sports events held to help our military. During this event, Ternopil residents and city guests could show their sports mastery, and unity, and help our defenders. We hope that the aid gathered during the run brings our victory closer. We are grateful to all defenders fighting for Ukraine and eliminating the invaders.”
This run is the second one organized by MHP in Ternopil in the previous six months. Last October, the city hosted the Faino Run with several hundred participants from all over Ukraine.
Back then, the amount of UAH 270,000 was collected to purchase eight anti-aircraft searchlights for the 105th Independent Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, Ternopil region.
Viktor Koriahin, director of the Western Hub of the MHP:
“We are happy to organize the run in Ternopil again, which has become a good tradition. We have been living and working in Ternopil for over a year, and the central office of the Western Hub is also located here. Thus, we are ready to promote the city among Ukrainians. Many employees of both the Western Hub and the MHP came to this charity run, and they were not only actively training for it but also anticipated it. Our people are in for sports, many of our colleagues adhere to a healthy lifestyle, and we support them in every way possible.
Participation in such a run is that which unites, gives a memorable experience, and energizes. Especially when you are aware of your contribution to a greater cause – helping the Armed Forces of Ukraine and our future Victory.”
