Run for Freedom: Charity Run for the Release of Prisoners to Take Place in Kyiv on September 13
Registration is open for the advocacy run Run for Freedom in support of the release of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians from captivity. The event will take place on September 13 in Kyiv. For the second year in a row, it is being organized at the initiative of Kyiv School of Economics (KSE) students and Professor Timothy Snyder, who will personally join the run.
Timothy Snyder, Professor, UNITED24 Ambassador: “I joined Run for Freedom so that the world learns about all the civilians and soldiers who are being unlawfully held in Russian captivity during this illegal war. This run is meant to make people remember, not forget, and seek ways to help.”
When & Where: September 13, Kyiv, Natalka Park
Distances: 1 km, 5 km, or 10 km — so that everyone can take part in the movement for freedom.
Entry fee: From 300 UAH to 950 UAH depending on the distance. All contributions will be converted by KSE Foundation into support for Ukraine’s Defense Forces. Participation is free of charge for military personnel, veterans, and families of prisoners of war.
Registration: https://timer.newrun.com.ua/event/191 (open until September 11 inclusive)
Goal of the run: To draw international attention to the urgent issue of releasing Ukrainian prisoners — both military and civilian. Every participant becomes part of the freedom movement and a source of support for families awaiting their loved ones’ return.
Organizers: KSE Foundation, DefDev, RECOVERY National Network of Rehabilitation Centers for Wounded Soldiers, and the Heart of Azovstal initiative.
Media partners: ShoTam, 1+1 Ukraine, and Interfax-Ukraine news agency.
All proceeds from ticket sales, after covering organizational costs, will be directed by KSE Foundation to support Ukraine’s Defense Forces, with full public reporting on the provided aid.
Background
Run for Freedom is an annual advocacy run launched by KSE students and Professor Timothy Snyder. In 2024, the event brought together over 1,000 Ukrainians.
KSE Foundation — the charity arm of the Kyiv School of Economics. Ranked 5th largest foundation in Ukraine by Forbes Ukraine and awarded the presidential distinction Golden Heart. Since 2025, included in the global registry of trustworthy charitable organizations by CAF America following a comprehensive audit. A full member of Philea, Europe’s largest philanthropic association.
RECOVERY — a national network of rehabilitation centers for wounded soldiers, founded by Victor and Olena Pinchuk to support Ukraine’s Security and Defense Forces. As of today, 18 RECOVERY centers operate across Ukraine, providing free services to military personnel. Locations include Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk region (3 centers), Kyiv (2 centers) and Kyiv region, Lutsk, Lviv, Odesa (2 centers), Poltava, Rivne, Ternopil, Khmelnytskyi, Cherkasy, Chernivtsi, and Chernihiv. In total, more than 30,000 patients have already received rehabilitation care through the RECOVERY network.
Information partner of the race - Interfax-Ukraine