On Sunday, 3rd May 2026, the relay team from Ukrainians in Northern Ireland proudly took part in the 2026 Belfast City Marathon, continuing a meaningful tradition established in previous year. Building on the success and experience of the 2025 marathon, this year’s participation once again demonstrated the strength, unity, and resilience of our community.

Our relay team represented a diverse group of individuals united by a shared purpose: to support charitable initiatives and raise awareness of Ukraine within Northern Ireland and beyond. Our preparations included community engagement, and outreach efforts. We invited supporters to join us on race day, creating an encouraging and vibrant atmosphere along the marathon route.

On the day of the marathon, our relay team members each completed their stages with determination and pride. Their performance reflected not only athletic effort but also a deep sense of purpose and solidarity.

Huge thanks to our marathon runners: Kateryna Bidolenko, Gleb Buryma, Dr Volodymyr Shentsov, Lauren McGeown, Dr Vitaliy Ostropytskyy – who together ran the full marathon distance of 42.2 km (26.2 miles). Their commitment, teamwork, and perseverance were truly inspiring.

This year’s marathon participation was not only about sport—it was part of our ongoing fundraising and awareness campaign. Thanks to your generous donations, our nominated charity “Ukrainians in NI” has raised so far over £561 to procure additional ambulances, along with vital medical and humanitarian aid, to be sent to Ukraine. Your contributions will make a significant impact in saving lives in Ukraine’s war zones.

The marathon also served as a platform to strengthen community bonds and highlight the positive contributions of Ukrainians living in Northern Ireland. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported our team—whether by running, donating, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines. Your encouragement made a real difference and helped us achieve our goals.

The 2026 Belfast City Marathon was another successful milestone for Ukrainians in Northern Ireland. It reinforced our commitment to charity, community, and resilience, and we look forward to continuing this important work in the future.

Thank you to all who made this possible.

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.)