A charity race, SPARTAN KYIV 2025, will take place in the capital of Ukraine, honoring the unforgettable air operation that evacuated defenders of Mariupol, as reported by a Kyiv Post journalist.
SPARTAN KYIV: Race in Honor of Defenders' Heroism
The operation 'Sky' was one of the boldest air special missions in modern warfare. Ukrainian pilots risked their lives to deliver essential supplies to 'Azovstal' amidst heavy enemy fire. 16 helicopters, 7 flights, and dozens of lives saved – all thanks to our heroes' bravery.
“Army aviation helicopters accomplished the impossible by flying 120 km to the encircled Mariupol. This operation showed that Ukraine fights till the last breath and that our defenders are not forgotten,” noted Evgeniy Yerin, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (GUR), at the event on May 8.
“All available resources – intelligence, special forces, logistics, etc. – were involved in this operation. It was a joint effort by GUR and army aviation, unique in its kind,” added Yerin.
This race is dedicated to the anniversary of the air operation 'Sky', conducted to support the defenders of 'Azovstal'.
A charity auction will also take place during the event, featuring a knife signed by Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov. “Every participant in this race runs not just for sport but to honor those who defended our land until the end,” emphasized Podolyanchuk, urging everyone to join the initiative.
Organizers promise that each finisher of Spartan Kyiv 2025 will receive a commemorative medal and an exclusive T-shirt. However, the most important aspect is the cause itself. The charity auction will feature a signed combat knife as the main lot.
The program includes distances for participants of all fitness levels: from children's races to team competitions, trails, and formats for veterans.
Specifically, distances offered include: SUPER (10 km, 25 obstacles), SPRINT (5 km, 20 obstacles), charity CHARITY SPRINT, PARA RACE for athletes with disabilities, TEAM RACE, TRAIL without obstacles, KIDS RACE for children, and ONLINE RACE.
Organizers hope this event will symbolize unity and resilience, just like the operation 'Sky'. According to Alexey Vovk, the organizer of SPARTAN KYIV 2025, 100% of partnership contributions and 10% of registration fees will be donated to the needs of GUR.
Last year, the Spartan community raised an impressive 5.7 million hryvnias for the purchase of 200 FPV drones and the support of the MAGURA V5 sea drone, which has already proven its effectiveness in battles.
“This year, we aim to achieve even more and invite you to be part of this story,” the organizers encourage.
This year's race will take place on May 17–18 at one of the locations in Kyiv – a place where sports, memory, and military support will come together once again.
