NEW YORK – Nearly 100 participants, many dressed in Ukrainian embroidered shirts, others in Ukrainian-themed attire and some draped in Ukrainian flags, converged on Central Park in New York for five- and three-kilometer runs and a one-mile walk on August 28. Hosted by the Ukrainian Running Club New York (URC NY), the race was known as the Vyshyvanka Run. Some of the racers even sang Ukrainian songs as they ran. The race also marked the 25th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence Day.
Reports of the race were carried by Vogue.com, including a write-up by Liana Satenstein, who also ran the race and in her article claims to be of Ukrainian descent. She was joined by Ukrainian model Alina Baikova, a native of Kirovohrad, Ukraine, who, according to Ms. Satenstein, was among the most fit runners that day.
Also running that day was The Ukrainian Weekly’s layout designer, Stefan Slutsky. In a video report posted on YouTube by Maryan Khomych, Mr. Slutsky said he was running to celebrate Ukraine’s 25th anniversary of independence. (The video link can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dD264tJVwc/.)
At the conclusion of the race, runners posed for photographs with Ukrainian flags, chanted “Glory to Ukraine” and sang the Ukrainian national anthem.
As per the Ukrainian Running Club of New York website (http://urcny.yolasite.com):
The URC “is a group of fun, motivated and enthusiastic people who promote a healthy and active way of life among the Ukrainian community and others. URC welcomes runners of all ages and ability levels who share the same passion – running. The club consists of those who run and jog recreationally as well as those inclined to compete at sponsored races and events.
“We encourage everyone to join the club. We welcome those who have completed marathons and triathlons, and those new to the sport of running. We aim to help everyone achieve their individual goals through a mutual exchange of experiences, inspiration and training.”
The URC is recognized by the New York Road Runners (NYRR), and readers can contact the URC via e-mail, [email protected] or via telephone, 646-441-7544. The group also has a Facebook page, www.facebook.com/groups/150935869813. The URC has a radio show as well, http://urc.listen2myshow.com.
Participants of the five-kilometer run.