The charity race SPARTAN KYIV 2025 will take place in the capital of Ukraine, commemorating the heroic air operation that evacuated defenders of Mariupol in 2022, reports a journalist from Kyiv Post.

SPARTAN KYIV: Race in Honor of the Bravery of “Azovstal”

Operation «Sky» was one of the boldest air missions of modern warfare. Ukrainian pilots risked their lives to deliver essential supplies to Mariupol under enemy fire. Sixteen helicopters, seven sorties, dozens of lives saved – all at the edge of the impossible.

“Army aviation helicopters achieved the impossible, flying 120 km into the enemy's rear to reach besieged Mariupol. This operation showed that Ukraine will not abandon its heroes,” – emphasized Evgeniy Yerin, a representative of Ukraine's Military Intelligence (HUR) at the event on May 8.

“All available resources were involved in this operation – reconnaissance, special forces, logistics. It was a unique joint operation,” – he added.

This sports event is dedicated to the anniversary of Operation «Sky», held to support the defenders of «Azovstal».

A charity auction will also take place during the event, featuring a knife signed by General Kyrylo Budanov. “Every participant in the race runs not just for sport, but to honor the memory of those who defended until the end,” – emphasizes Podolyanchuk.

Organizers promise that every finisher of Spartan KYIV 2025 will receive a commemorative medal and an exclusive t-shirt. But the most important thing is not the awards, but the meaning behind it. The highlight of the auction will be a combat knife signed by Kyrylo Budanov.

The program will include distances for all levels: from children's and charity races to team competitions and formats for veterans and people with disabilities.

Specifically, SUPER (10 km, 25 obstacles), SPRINT (5 km, 20 obstacles), charity CHARITY SPRINT, PARA RACE for athletes with disabilities, team TEAM RACE, TRAIL without obstacles, KIDS RACE for children and a distance ONLINE RACE.

The organizers hope that this event will symbolize unity and resilience, akin to Operation «Sky». As stated by organizer Oleksiy Volk, 100% of partner contributions and 10% of registration fees will be donated to the needs of HUR.

Last year, the Spartan community raised an impressive 5.7 million UAH, which was used to purchase drones and support a marine drone.

“This year we aim to achieve even more and invite you to be part of this story,” – the organizers urged.

The race will take place on May 17-18 at one of the locations in Kyiv, where sports, memory, and support for the army will unite once again.