Ukrainian Running Club Chicago

Ukrainian Running Club Chicago was founded after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, bringing Ukrainians in Chicago together around a shared goal: using running as another way to support Ukraine and keep its story visible. During the Chicago Marathon, our runners have worn shirts featuring the names of occupied Ukrainian cities, reminding thousands of spectators that behind every name are real people, communities, and stories. Since then, URCC has grown into a strong running community. We meet for regular runs, race together, support each other, and welcome Ukrainian runners traveling to Chicago from across the U.S. and around the world. Each year, together with the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, we also organize a Ukrainian cheer zone at the Chicago Marathon, bringing our community together to support runners and represent Ukraine on one of Chicago’s biggest stages. Our mission remains simple: to bring people together through running, support Ukraine, and build a community where sport has a greater purpose.