A team of Ukrainian veterans from the organization US Ukrainian Activists (USUA) participated in the 42nd “Army Ten-Miler” race in Washington for the second consecutive year. Four Ukrainian veterans, joined by representatives and volunteers from the organization, completed the 10-mile course. They dedicated their participation to honoring Ukrainian and American service members and supporting veteran rehabilitation through sports.
This was reported in a press release by US Ukrainian Activists.
“One team, one mission—running together to honor heroes,” the statement reads.
The team included Ukrainian veterans Ruslan Popov, Vadym Korobenko, Oleh Kontsovskyi, and Andrii Volosheniuk. They ran the course through the streets of Washington alongside thousands of American service members, veterans, and their family members.
Also participating were Nadiia Shaporynska—founder, president, and CEO of USUA, who served as the team captain and organizer—as well as volunteers Matt Widmann and Natalia DeMarco.
USUA noted that all seven team members finished within the official time limit and received finisher medals.
“Despite the cold and rainy weather, all seven members of the USUA veteran team successfully completed the 10-mile distance within the official time limit,” the organization reported.
This year’s “Army Ten-Miler” also commemorated the 250th anniversary of the United States—a detail that, according to the USUA, was incorporated into the finishers' medals.
During the race, the team wore blue-and-yellow shirts featuring an outline of Ukraine, including Crimea. The USUA logo, accompanied by the Ukrainian and American flags, was displayed on the front of the uniforms. Before the start, the team was joined by Yurii Dolotov, the Military Attaché at the Embassy of Ukraine in the U.S., who greeted the participants and wished them success.
The USUA also expressed gratitude to Denys Sienik, Chargé d’Affaires of Ukraine to the U.S., as well as to Yurii Dolotov and the Embassy of Ukraine, for their support of veteran and rehabilitation initiatives through sports.
“For the USUA veterans’ team, the ‘Army Ten-Miler’ is much more than just a sporting event. Every mile embodies courage, perseverance, and our commitment to supporting Ukrainian veterans,” the organization emphasized.
According to the USUA, participation in the “Army Ten-Miler” and the “Marine Corps Marathon” serves as a tool for the rehabilitation and recovery of Ukrainian veterans through sports, while also helping to raise awareness about Ukraine and honor fallen service members.
The team’s next event will be the 51st “Marine Corps Marathon,” scheduled for October 25.
“Together, we honor our heroes, celebrate the spirit of military service, and strengthen enduring bonds of friendship, solidarity, and mutual support between Ukrainian and American veterans,” stated US Ukrainian Activists.
Photo: US Ukrainian Activists
Author: Inna Mikhno