NEW YORK – About 160 people who care about Ukrainian culture, community and a healthy lifestyle joined the 2019 Vyshyvanka Run New York. They demonstrated a real Ukrainian spirit to New Yorkers and guests of the city while running in Central Park, the world’s most famous and beloved park.
This year, there were not only walking and running groups, but also a 160-meter (1/10 mile) kids’ race for the first time ever. All the children did great and received very nice medals for their participation thanks to Aleksandr Kuzin. It truly felt like one big family celebration.
It was not only about running and walking. During the event, participants donated a total of $345 to help disabled athlete Sergiy Amelko buy a racing wheelchair. (Readers can join in this good cause and donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/help-to-collect-for-wheelchair.)
This year – for the first time ever – a kids’ race was held with 18 young runners (age 2 to 12).
After the race, participants enjoyed varenyky, sandwiches and sweets brought by the renowned Ukrainian restaurant Veselka, which is located in the East Village. Restaurant owner Jason Birchard himself cooked and served varenyky for all the guests on the spot.
And that spot was a very special place – the Ukrainian Institute of America, located in the heart of New York City. The UIA is a center of the Ukrainian American community and serves as America’s “window to Ukraine.” It hosts many events, such as art exhibits, concerts, lectures, children’s programs and educational gatherings that are open to the public.
The Ukrainian Running Club New York expressed its gratitude to the UIA for being its partner and a co-host of the Vyshyvanka Run for the third year in a row.
Next year the Vyshyvanka Run will take place exactly on the Independence Day of Ukraine, August, 24, 2020. Readers are encouraged to save the date, and invite their friends and relatives who love Ukraine.