We read that a half marathon, 10k,  5k , and 1 k race was to be held in Lviv with a start in front of our residence.The race was to benefit the UNBROKEN ORGANIZATION, which provides some medical and mental support for victims of the war returning to the Lviv Region.

 

We contacted the organizers and asked if we could late enter the 5k and they were happy to accommodate us. Tanya and I  were the two oldest runners and the only international entrants.

I contacted the SuperHuman Centre and asked if they had any blade runners who wanted to join us and we offered to pay the entrance fee.

Only one runner thought he was ready for a run on the streets of Lviv, many of which are cobblestone.

 

We met Vasyl and learned his story. He lost his leg in a combat explosion one year ago. He was very excited to compete and we then found out that several months ago he competed in the USA and received gold medals in the 200-meter and 100-meter race. Vasyl had never ran a 5k but he is highly competitive and has a great attitude.

 

It was race day and Vasyl came early. He was completely wired with the event, the music and the fields for all 4 races of over 3,000 runners.

I explained that we would all start together and another friend joined us making our three guy, one girl team. I said it was for fun and if anyone needed to go slower or walk that would be fine. The point was to enjoy ourselves, the music and the crowds and finish the race one way or another.

 

The gun went off and the 5-k race began. Our pace was nice and enjoyable but then Vasyl’s excitement got too much for him to control and he started running. With much laughter we screamed for him to RUN and our friend stayed with him while Tanya and I cruised through the 5-k with a sprint at the end which was a crowd pleaser as the announcer said my name and emphasized my 78 years!

 

Of course, Vasyl won 2 medals at the event because he also decided to run the 1k.

It was an emotional experience and Vasyl was the only blade runner that day.