This year, on Kyiv Day, 25 May, Australians joined Ukrainians across the globe in one of the most beloved traditions of the Ukrainian calendar: the Chestnut Run (Пробіг під каштанами). For the first time ever, the charity run took place simultaneously in Melbourne, Perth, and Hobart, bringing together a total of 83 participants and 2 very enthusiastic dogs — all united in support of Ukraine’s youngest heart patients.
What Is the Chestnut Run?
The Chestnut Run is Ukraine’s largest charity sports event, held annually since 1993 on Kyiv Day, the last Sunday in May. The event raises funds for the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine — a critical institution that saves the lives of thousands of children each year.
Since 2012, proceeds have helped purchase essential medical equipment and supplies for the center. This year, donations will go towards rebuilding part of the facility heavily damaged in a Russian missile strike in July 2024.
Melbourne: Running for Hearts and for Hope
On a cool but glorious autumn morning, 36 runners and walkers — and one very motivated dog — gathered in Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens to take part in the inaugural Australian edition of the Chestnut Run.
As the Melbourne group jogged and strolled beneath golden trees, news continued to emerge of overnight missile and drone attacks on Kyiv. The juxtaposition was painful — but it only deepened the purpose of the run.
Organised by Plast Victoria with some help from CEO Plast Australia Chrestyna Kmetj and coordinated by Andrew Bernyk, the event was a show of solidarity from the heart of Australia’s Ukrainian community. Highlights included strong runs by Alex and Vitaly Davyd, as well as Iryna Loboda and Jeremy Semkiw. Others walked, talked, and simply enjoyed being part of something bigger than themselves.
One participant was moved to tears when a passerby along the Yarra River called out, “Slava Ukraini!” — a moment that captured the spirit of connection and resilience that defines the Ukrainian people and their friends across the world.
Perth: A Peaceful Walk Around Tomato Lake
In Western Australia, 36 participants gathered around scenic Tomato Lake in Perth for their own version of the Chestnut Run. Organised by Plast WA and led by Lesya Yezgor, the event brought together community members from across the city.
Participants walked in remembrance and in hope — raising funds and awareness for Ukraine’s children in need of life-saving care. Perth’s walk reminded everyone that even from thousands of kilometres away, Australians can take meaningful steps to help rebuild lives.
Hobart: A Small but Mighty Turnout
In Hobart, 11 walkers and one four-legged friend made their way around a local route in support of the cause. Coordinated by Plast Tasmania and Move for Ukraine, with thanks to Tania Tkachuk and Marina Lynne, the event was intimate but heartfelt.
Despite being Australia’s smallest Chestnut Run event this year, the spirit in Hobart was just as strong — each step taken in solidarity with Ukraine’s children and those who care for them.
A Global Movement, A Local Impact
While the Chestnut Run is a national tradition in Ukraine, it is fast becoming a global act of unity. From the crowded streets of Kyiv to the tranquil parks of Melbourne, Perth, and Hobart, this year’s run showed that distance doesn’t diminish solidarity.
With over 80 participants across Australia, this was just the beginning. As organisers look ahead to 2026, the hope is to grow the event, bring in more communities, and raise even more funds to support the children’s cardiac centre in Kyiv.
To everyone who ran, walked, or barked their way to the finish line: Дякуємо — Thank you. You helped save a heart.
Join us next year — and let’s make the 2026 Chestnut Run even bigger, louder, and stronger. For Ukraine. For the children. For hope.
For more information or to donate to the Chestnut Run Charitable Foundation, visit:
https://probig.in.ua
