Ukrainian Initiative "Run For Peace" Honored at Peace And Sport

(ATR) Accepting the award for Event of the Year at the Peace and Sport Awards, Victor Mazyarchuk was overcome with emotion. The Ukrainian founder of "Run for Peace" praised his team of runners for their steadfast determination and passion.

"Run for Peace" received the honor at an awards dinner that was part of the Peace and Sport International Forum last week in Monaco.

"I have no words to express my feelings right now," said Mazyarchuk, shortly after receiving the award. "Our main goal is peace in Ukraine – our main goal is to say thank you to Europeans for supporting Ukraine and helping us in these very difficult times."

Twelve Ukrainian runners led by Mazyarchuk, ran continuously 24 hours a day, seven days a week, taking turns one at a time, over a 49-day period. Divided into three groups,they covered a distance of nearly 9,000 kilometers passing through 14 countries. Their journey began in Kiev on Mar. 21 and returned to the Ukrainian city of Lviv on May 8, before proceeding back to the Ukrainian capital.

Runners persevered through rain, snow, cold, at altitude and through other natural elements, all while discussing the current conflict in Ukraine and spreading their message of peace and unity along the way.

"Snow, rain, it was a very difficult trip," Mazyarchuk said. "At the end of Poland near the Czech Republic, it was very snowy and Roman was just flying, it was really crazy," he said of one of his runners, Roman Zhorin.

"We are sure that projects like this run are making a difference," Zhorin said about Run for Peace.

"It shows the power of sport and the fact that you can touch the hearts of so many people," said Peace and Sport founder Joel Bouzou about Run for Peace.

The epic journey took them through the Alps, including a stop at Mount Blanc, where they took photos of themselves forming their Ukrainian heart near the summit. They encountered snow in Poland, were joined by a mass of runners in Paris, and passed through major European cities including Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, Munich, Geneva, Barcelona, and Amsterdam, among others. Stops in Liechtenstein, Andorra and Luxembourg were also part of their route.

"In Poland, I ran three times in a 24-hour period for 60 kilometers," Mazyarchuk said. "After that, I had very big problems with my ankle, it was very painful, but as team leader I understood I had to keep running."

"The process is very difficult as we are running in snow and also in warm weather," said runner Nataliya Martiashvili, a resident of war-torn Donetsk.

Victor and his colleagues met with government and business leaders, NGO’s and everyday citizens throughout the trip, discussing and attempting to devise solutions to war and violence worldwide.

"When we were in Madrid in the middle of the central square, people came to us asking about why we have war," Mazyarchuk said. "It is very important to talk with people and say our key messages. We have values – the main values are freedom, the main treasure is humanity, but unfortunately we have a lot of problems inside our country."

New friends and supporters were encouraged to sign their "Book of Peace." The group’s signature gesture involves holding up their hands up and showing their palms symbolizing "No weapons."

Mazyarchuk, a 35-year-old resident of Kiev, came up with the idea of "Run for Peace" while out on a run one year ago.

"I thought it would be the best way to show my vision to change my country," Mazyarchuk said. "It’s very important for us to fight for our values and without this main fundamental idea we will not be a sustainable country."

Mazyarchuk informed that Run for Peace is planning a new route for its second edition, expected to begin in the spring of 2016, possibly coinciding with the London Marathon. He hopes that the run will culminate in Vatican City with a meeting with Pope Francis.

"We desire to run in another 15 countries – all Great Britain countries, Scandinavian countries and also Baltic countries," Mazyarchuk said. "We also want to run through Mediterranean countries, other European countries and finish in the Vatican with a huge prayer for peace in Ukraine and in the world."

Mazyarchuk, who is married with a 10-year-old son, said he is hopeful for a peaceful future and an end to the nearly two-year long conflict in eastern Ukraine.

"I am very optimistic, I am sure we will have peace in Ukraine," Mazyarchuk said. "Unfortunately, it is a long process – I am optimistic, but I am realistic."

"My team – we will do whatever we can."

Written by Brian Pinelli

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