Please meet our marathon runners who will take part in the 2026 Belfast City Marathon relay – Sunday 3rd May 2026:

1) Kateryna Bidolenko:
“I’m proud to once again be part of the “Ukrainians in NI” team at the Belfast City Marathon on Sunday, 3 May 2026!

We are running to remind people that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing, and to raise funds for the Ukrainians in NI charity. All donations will go towards purchasing ambulances, humanitarian aid, and medical supplies for Ukraine — helping those who need it most.
Join us, support us 🤲🏻, and cheer us on this Sunday, 3 May 2026🤗
Together — towards victory! 💪🏻“

2) Gleb Burym:

“I’m proud to be part of the Ukrainians in NI relay team at the Belfast City Marathon. Sport plays an important role in my life, and I enjoy pushing myself both physically and mentally. Taking part in this marathon is not only a personal challenge, but also an opportunity to support a meaningful cause. We are raising funds to help people in Ukraine, and every bit of support truly makes a difference. Thank you for your support!”
3) Lauren McGeown🏃🏼‍♀️‍➡️
“In having had the opportunity to complete the VHI Dublin women’s mini marathon when I was in college in Belfast as well as participating in the Ukrainians in NI relay team at the 2025 Belfast marathon, I am delighted to be participating with the Ukrainians in NI relay team again this year in the 2026 Belfast City Marathon on Sunday, the 3rd of May 2026. We will be raising funds for the charity Ukrainians in NI where all funds will be used to send ambulance vehicles, humanitarian aid and medical aid to Ukraine to helps those most in need. All donations – big or small – make a difference. Thank you.”
4) Dr Volodymyr Shentsov, a lecturer and researcher at Ulster University, is dedicated to advancing hydrogen safety:
“This year, I’m running the Belfast City Marathon to support Ukraine, both by raising awareness of the ongoing war and by helping provide practical aid. Our aim is to ensure people don’t forget what is happening, while also funding essential ambulances and humanitarian support. If you’re in a position to help, any contribution, regardless of size, will make a real difference.”
5) Dr Vitaliy Ostropytskyy. Vitaliy has been working at University in Northern Ireland for over 20 years:
“I’m honoured to again join the Ukrainians in Northern Ireland Charity Organisation’s relay team for the 2026 Belfast City Marathon on May 3rd. We’re raising funds for ‘Ukrainians in NI’ to supply ambulance vehicles, medical, and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. Every step we take helps save lives. Please join us to cheer on the runners and show solidarity with Ukraine. Your support makes a real difference — together, we can save lives, one step at a time.”

We would like to remind that our nominated charity is “Ukrainians in Northern Ireland” (Charity Registration Number: NIC109987).

For those, who would like to donate, you can do so by bank transfer or cheque to Ukrainians in Northern Ireland Ltd.

Charity Name: “Ukrainians in NI Ltd”;

Charity Registration Number: NIC109987;

HSBC sort code 40-04-15

Account Number 32329352

PayPal: https://paypal.me/UkrainiansNI

All funds raised will be used to procure additional ambulance vehicles (along with medical and humanitarian aid) to be send to Ukraine to facilitate the medical retrieval and evacuation of severely wounded casualties in Ukraine.

All contributions however large or small will make a significant impact in saving lives in Ukraine’s war zones. Please also come along on the day to support our runners and cheer them on.

We know you have many choices when it comes to donating. Times are tough everywhere, and we are deeply grateful if you chose to support us in providing security and relief to the people of Ukraine.

Your support can make a powerful difference as we continue to serve our community.

Thank you very much for your help and support from all Ukrainians!

(* With the support of the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh and the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Northern Ireland.)