As part of the Warrior Yomp 2025 initiative, Ukrainian wounded service members participated in the first-ever 24-hour endurance march in Washington, D.C. The event was supported by Amazon Project Kuiper and the Allied Forces Foundation.
This was reported by the organizer of the event, Allied Forces Foundation.
Warrior YOMP (Your Own March Pace) is a challenging 24-hour, 25- to 50-mile (40-80 km) march that tests participants’ physical endurance while honoring the military community. The annual event is organized by the Allied Forces Foundation, which symbolizes unity, resilience, and support for military partner nations.
“One hundred determined participants set out on a 24-hour, 50-mile march to support and honor wounded, ill, and injured military members of allied nations. Among the participants are wounded soldiers from the Ukrainian front, a Bundeswehr team from Reston (Virginia), representatives of the British Embassy, as well as a large delegation from Georgia. The main group, led by the American team, is walking the route in the heart of the US capital and around it… This is more than just a march – it is a demonstration of unity, resilience and unwavering support for those who gave so much,” the organizers noted.
Thus, nine wounded Ukrainian soldiers, led by Major General Volodymyr Gavrylov, joined the endurance marathon. The Ukrainian team achieved impressive results: 5 gold medals, 1 silver medal and 4 bronze medals
“Having overcome distances of 25, 36 and 50 miles, these heroes demonstrated extraordinary courage, determination and team spirit, while simultaneously raising the voice of Ukraine on the global stage,” the Ukrainian representative office of United Help Ukraine reported.
The event was preceded by was held Amazon Project Kuiper Warrior Yomp reception at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington. Representatives from the embassies of Canada, Denmark, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom attended the event, welcoming and supporting participants during stops along the Warrior Yomp route.
“We were pleased to welcome participants of the Warrior Yomp weekend, organized by the Allied Forces Foundation, to the Embassy. This march is about unity, resilience, and support for all who fight for freedom. It is especially inspiring to see Ukrainian defenders – strong in spirit and indomitable – among the participants of this challenge,” said the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.
According to the organizers, the speeches of Ukrainian soldiers who shared their stories of indomitability and recovery from injuries were especially moving.
“This reception was more than just a gathering – it was a manifestation of international solidarity, community support, and the indomitable strength of our defenders,” the Allied Forces Foundation noted.
The event was supported by United Help Ukraine, Amazon, Allied Forces Foundation, and the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States.
“United Help Ukraine, as part of our Wounded Warrior project, proudly sponsored and organized the participation of Ukrainian heroes in the US Warrior Yomp. We are grateful to the organizers of the event, Allied Forces Foundation and Amazon.com, as well as the Embassy of Ukraine in the United States for their support and assistance in the recovery of Ukrainian defenders,” United Help Ukraine noted.
Photo: Allied Forces Foundation
Author: Inna Mikhno