Community Gathers for a Cause at Color Run for Ukraine
When Tatiana Kamarskaya pursued to organize a 4K color run to help raise funds for Ukraine, she knew one thing had to stand out: this event will celebrate pride while still supporting a cause.
Hosted on October 23 in nearby Newton, the color run was hosted by Exxcel Gymnastics. The gymnastics center focuses on providing an environment for local children to find both exercise and community. While Exxcel hosted the color run, funds were raised for Sunflower of Peace, a Boston-based organization which provides medical supplies for those fighting in Ukraine.
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The 4K run prioritized centering Ukrainian pride, raising money for a good cause, and most importantly, making sure that all attendants just had fun.
Attendants of the color run first begin the race here at the checkpoint. All runners start and finish in the same place, making a circle in the neighborhood.
Runners gather together at a slow pace, getting ready to finish off strongly.
It was no question that the local kids were at the center of it all. As they were some of the first winners of the race, their parents cheered them out in a mix of English and Ukrainian. The colors used for the color run were a bright yellow and sky blue, representing the shades of the Ukrainian flag.
Runners sped to the finish line, leaving behind foot prints marked in the colored powder.
Behind all of it was the Sunflower of Peace team. The organization formed in 2014 during when Russia first annexed Crimea, initiating the beginning of the conflict. The organization's purpose has remained to raise funds to send medical supplies to Ukrainian soldiers.
When Russia invaded Ukraine at the beginning of 2022, the organization raised nine million dollars within the year.
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One of the members of the Sunflower Team, Kateryna Malakhova, has been a vital piece of supplying medical materials for soldiers on the Ukrainian frontlines.
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Members of the Sunflower of Peace team. Pictured here are Olga (left), Kateryna Malakhova (center), and Alisa (right).
“We decided instead [of supplying bunches of supplies] to have this backpack that can save ten to fifteen lives in one situation,” said Malakhova. Each backpack contains materials which are prepared so soldiers can save lives on the go. Materials include tourniquets, purified water used for eye injuries, needles which can puncture harmed lungs, and much more.
Malakhova guides viewers through the bag, showing attendants what will be sent to Ukrainian soldiers.
Malakhova moved to the United States fifteen years ago, originating from the Ukrainian city of Nova Kakhovka. Malakhova continues to work as a real estate agent, but still finds all the time she can to contribute to Sunflower of Peace.
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The color run has presented more than just a fun, community-oritented event; it acted as a place where Ukrainian-Americans connect with one another and share stories of family and friends experiecncing struggle.
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"It’s been horrible," said Malakhova, "All of my family is still there. It’s very overwhelming. Everyone is trying to save themselves, so I couldn’t even find a car to get my mother out of Nova Kakhovka."
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Although the future can seem bleak, people like Malakhova still believe Ukraine doesn't have the option to give up.
"There are some days where it feels like you can’t see hope, but obviously we have to stay optimistic. You know why? Because when I speak to defenders on the frontlines - they don’t give up. When we send our supplies to them, they don’t have doubt," said Malakhova, "Do I have a right to doubt or lose hope if they are so optimistic?"
Runners run back through the path to be covered in colored power.
At the center of Exxcel Gymnastics is Tatiana Kamarskaya, an owner and team coach at the gymnastics center. Kamarskaya was born and raised in the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv, competing on the Ukrainian National Gymnastics team. She won the national championship title and additionally became a prize holder during the USSR Acrobatics Championship. She moved to the United States when we was twenty-six years old.
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As one of the leaders of Exxcel Gymnastics, this is Kamarskaya's second time organizing a color run for Ukraine in Newton.
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"For me personally, I practice to run with the 4K. I have a personal goal of actually running because it’s good for you," said Kamarskaya, "Also, the color aspect of it adds so much fun."
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Tatiana Kamarskaya is cloaked in Ukrainian colors after finishing the run, greeting everyone that crosses the finish line.
Runners gather at the finish line for a group picture, covered in yellow and blue.
More than just a joyous event, the color run continues to be one of the events which celebrates Ukrainian culture and supports an accessible and direct cause."This is really fun. Kids and families and friends can come together and do something that’s fun and useful," said Kamarskaya.
From the United States to the frontlines of Ukraine, the cooperation between Exxcel Gymnastics, Sunflower of Peace, and everyone on between shows no signs of stopping.
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