When Brainsport owner Brian Michasiw organized a 10K for Ukraine event in 2022, just weeks after Russia invaded Ukraine, he never imagined it would be a recurring event.
But, three years later, the war continues to rage and the need for the run hasn’t gone away.
“This conflict is changing and growing and the people of Ukraine could probably use a show of support from the people of Saskatoon and some help from the people of Saskatoon financially,” says Michasiw, whose grandparents came to Canada from Ukraine.
This year’s run will take place on Saturday April 5. Registration is free, but people are asked to make a donation to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal through Race Roster when they register online or in-person when they show up at the event.
The event’s name — 10K for Ukraine — references both the distance and monetary goal. Michasiw hopes participants can help raise $10,000 for the Canada-Ukraine Foundation, which continues to provide humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and for people displaced by the war.
Participants are encouraged to wear blue and yellow and everyone will receive blue and yellow race bibs with the number 2025 — a nod, Michasiw hopes, to the year the war will end.
Here’s what you need to know to get involved:
What: 10K for Ukraine is a free 10-km fundraising run/walk, with participants asked to make a donation to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation’s Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. The event will kick off with an address from a representative of Saskatoon’s Ukrainian community before runners and walkers depart along the 10-km course. Participants can cover as much or as little of the way as they want. “If you can’t go the whole distance, that’s fine,” Michasiw says. “The goal is to show our support and raise some money.”
When: The event takes place on Saturday April 5 with the run/walk getting underway at 10 a.m.
Where: 10K for Ukraine starts and ends at the Peace Prayer Pole in Rotary Park. The course will take participants along the Meewasin trail.
How to sign up: Register online through Race Roster. It is possible to donate to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation at this step or you can bring cash or a cheque made out to the Canada-Ukraine Foundation to the race start.
