The legendary Chicago venue hosted the 21st annual Soldier Field 10 race on Memorial Day. This year's event brought together more than 10,000 participants and top runners from around the world. Not only Americans took part in the race this year, but also representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora and Ukrainian military personnel who came to the United States to show their gratitude and solidarity with all those defending freedom.
This was reported by the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International.
The Ukrainian community participated in the event under the slogan "Run for Ukraine!" The delegation included 14 active officers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and veterans undergoing rehabilitation in the United States. Retired Major General Volodymyr Havrylov, who previously served as a military attaché at the Ukrainian Embassy in the United States from 2015 to 2018, headed the delegation. Currently, he is the director of the Veteran's Ten Charitable Foundation and an advisor to the U.S.-Ukraine Foundation.
As in previous years, Ukrainian defenders who experienced the horrors of war ran 10 kilometers through the streets of Chicago to thank the diaspora personally for their support and pay tribute to those who died fighting for freedom, both Ukrainian and American.
According to the organizers, who united the military with the Ukrainian diaspora, this event is an act of unity, gratitude, and strength of spirit, not just a sport.
"This is a gesture of gratitude, support, and solidarity with all those who are now defending our land, our sky, and our future," said volunteer Natalia Boyivka, who called on the community to bring Ukrainian flags, symbols, and embroidered shirts.
The Soldier Field 10 is a 10-mile race (almost 17 km), and the route passes by some of Chicago's most famous landmarks: Soldier Field, the Museum Campus, and the shore of Lake Michigan. Participants start at Soldier Field, run along Special Olympics Drive and Fort Dearborn Drive, pass McCormick Place, and enter DuSable Lake Shore Drive. This route offers spectacular views of the lake and skyscrapers.
The finish line is symbolic, located right on the 50-yard line of Soldier Field, an arena that honors American military personnel. Throughout the race, participants are supported by well-staffed aid stations offering water, medical assistance, and other amenities to ensure their comfort and safety. After finishing, guests are invited to a tailgate party with live music, entertainment for adults and children, and food and drink stands.
"The Ukrainian soldier team is the best! They ran the course well and showed their respect for the American soldiers who gave their lives for freedom. It is a great honor to be with the heroes," said executive director of the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America Maria Klimchak.
The Ukrainian military's visit to Chicago also included a city tour and visits to St. Andrew's Orthodox Cathedral and St. Nicholas Ukrainian Catholic School. There, the military was greeted with words of gratitude, appreciation, and love.
The Ukrainian community's participation in the event was made possible with the support of Revived Soldiers Ukraine, the Kyiv Committee of Chicago — Sister Cities International (CSCI), the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, the Illinois Division, and the Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago, as well as caring volunteers.
Photo: Maria Klimchak, Marie Slobidsky, Natalia Boyivka
Author: Danylo Pievchev