Going to take part in the oldest half-marathon in Ukraine in mid-autumn "Autumn Leaf", I became interested in finding out what other similar competitions exist in our country with a long history. The list turned out to be small. It included a total of four half-marathons, which have been held every year for the past decade.
- Official name: Autumn leaf
- Venue: Brovary (Ukraine)
- Distances: 21 km.
- Date: October
- Time limit: 3 hours
I already mentioned the half-marathon that takes place every year in Brovary. In 2021, his 46th start took place. The history of these competitions began back in 1975. Today they are real a legend among half-marathons of Ukraine. But not only the 50-year history of the race is impressive, but also its atmosphere. Half marathon route is very interesting, because it passes both on asphalt and on sand with small descents and ascents. You can read more about these competitions and my impressions of them here: Wrong turn - "Autumn Leaf" Run
- Official name: Run in memory of the hero of Chernobyl "Slavutich"
- Venue: Slavutich (Ukraine)
- Distances: 21 km.
- Date: April
- Time limit: 3 hours
The second place for the number of held starts among Ukrainian half-marathons takes half marathon in Slavutych. Its history dates back to 1990, when for the first time running competitions were held among nuclear power plant workers. Later, this race took place every year and was dedicated to the memory of the heroes of the Chernobyl tragedy. In 2021, its 32nd edition took place. Among the experienced athletes who took part in it, the "Run in Slavutych" gained fame as one of the most heartfelt half-marathons of Ukraine. The half-marathon route is paved. You can read more about these competitions and my impressions of them here: In search of Ukrainian Europe - "Slavutych Memorial Run of the Heroes of Chornobyl"
- Official name: Kovel Half Marathon
- Venue: Kovel (Ukraine)
- Distances: 21 km.
- Date: May
- Time limit: 3 hours
Among the oldest races in Ukraine, the Kovel half-marathon is relatively young. In 2021, it was held for the 16th time. Along with it, the Ukrainian half-marathon championship is held to select the best athletes for the national team. Therefore, every athlete who has high results at this distance has the opportunity to try their hand at the national selection for the national team. The route runs through the central streets of the city of Kovel along a well-paved road and consists of 4 laps (the first lap is 910 m, the next three are 6 km. 750 m each). You can read more about these competitions and my impressions of them here: Back to the past – “Kovel Half Marathon”
- Official name: Strong in spirit
- Venue: Kovel (Ukraine)
- Distances: 21 km.
- Date: July
- Time limit: 3 hours
A half-marathon that traditionally takes place at the end of July in the city of Rivne. The "Strong in Spirit" half-marathon is really for those who have the strength of will, indomitable athletes, so even now during the war, no one stopped the competition. This year will be their 36th start. As always, runners are offered a choice of three distances: 5, 10 and half marathon (21,097.5 m). In addition, competitions among children of different age groups and people with disabilities are planned in parallel. Registration is free.
