We sincerely thank the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine for supporting the “Chestnut Run.” For us, this is not just a formal interaction, but a genuine pillar of support that helps the project grow both in Ukraine and beyond.

It is extremely valuable that our initiative resonates at the state level. Thanks to the support of diplomatic institutions, the “Chestnut Run” is gaining recognition in different countries, opening up new opportunities to unite people around a common goal — supporting children’s hearts.

We are grateful for the support of the project’s international development and for the opportunity to represent it globally. This inspires us and once again proves that together we can achieve more — bringing people together and helping where it truly matters.

In a constantly changing world, it is especially valuable to preserve and strengthen trusted partnerships. This year, we are proud to continue our collaboration with Champion Radio (92.8 FM), Ukraine’s first sports radio station without advertising, known for creating high-quality and meaningful content about sports, active lifestyles, and the power of the human spirit.

As part of this partnership, Champion Radio continues to cover key aspects of the “Chestnut Run.” The station broadcasts event updates, highlights its charitable mission, and amplifies important social messages that deserve public attention.

This year, the partnership has gained an even deeper dimension. The radio team invited young patients from the Ukrainian Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery to share their dreams and encourage people to join the “Chestnut Run.” Despite their different stories, experiences, and wishes, all the children voiced one shared dream:

“We dream that all children in the Cardio Center will be healthy.”

Moments like these truly highlight the value of partnership—when it not only helps raise awareness but also contributes to making sincere children’s dreams come true.

We would also like to extend our special thanks to Lactalis for their support and heartfelt involvement in this initiative. Thanks to the company’s participation, the children received gifts after the recording session—a gesture of care, attention, and support that plays an important role in our shared efforts.

New meanings. New lives saved.

Every year, we create souvenir merchandise that holds our warmest memories — blooming May chestnuts, children’s laughter, and the powerful feeling of unity as we run together to support children’s hearts.

This year’s commemorative T-shirt carries a have special meaning. It was designed by 11-year-old Artem, a patient of the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine. His heart beats today thanks to the participants of the Run.

The design was born from memories, colored pencils, and a child’s belief in miracles. It reflects a pure and vibrant view of the world — simple, bright, and full of hope. In the drawing, the most important symbols of our event come together, holding hands as a reminder that only together can we achieve the impossible.

This T-shirt is also another way to support the cause: 15% of its price (314 UAH) will be donated to the Center to help purchase a video laryngoscope for the Neonatal Intensive Care and Anesthesiology Department of the Center for Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

You can order the T-shirt in your personal account under the “Catalog” section on the website. Full details and ordering are available at Mango Print.

Collect the symbols of the Run and let them inspire you throughout the 33rd “Chestnut Run”.

#probig2026
#runningforthelittlehearts

Precision is what life depends on.

This year, together with you, we are raising funds to purchase a video laryngoscope for the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care for Newborns at the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery — equipment that is critically important for saving the lives of the smallest patients.

Children with congenital heart defects often also have congenital abnormalities of other organs, particularly the upper airways. This device allows doctors to clearly visualize a child’s airway during procedures, helping them act with maximum precision, full control, and a lower risk of complications.

For newborns and children with congenital heart defects, having this equipment is especially important, as they often have complex airway anatomy.

A video laryngoscope will help the Center’s doctors to:
• perform procedures with greater accuracy and control
• significantly reduce the risk of complications and injuries
• avoid unnecessary manipulations, which is especially important for infants
• record video for further consultation with specialists
• act confidently even in the most complex cases

Fewer risks. Clear visibility. More lives saved.

And you can help us make this possible.

Register for the 33rd “Chestnut Run”.

Your registration means a child’s life saved.

#probig2026

#runningforlittlehearts

Under the banner of kindness and care, registration has opened for the 33rd charity “Chestnut Run,” which will традиційно take place on Kyiv Day — this year on May 31, 2026 — with the support of the Department of Youth and Sports of the Kyiv City State Administration.

The main goal — to support the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery

Little hearts once again need our support. This year’s charitable fundraising campaign is traditionally aimed at purchasing critically important medical equipment and supplies for the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine — the long-standing beneficiary of the Run since 2002.

Last year, thanks to the participants, we helped restore the work of the pediatric cardiology unit, which suffered significant damage as a result of a russian missile strike on July 8, 2024. Today, doctors are already working in the restored operating rooms, continuing their daily fight for patients’ lives.

On May 30, 2025, on the eve of International Children’s Day, a press conference was held at the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, where the results of the 32nd “Chestnut Run” were announced.

Thanks to every participant and team who made a charitable contribution, the “Chestnut Run” Foundation presented a symbolic check for 2,000,000 hryvnias to the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

“All Runs held since 1993 have been dedicated to helping children. Thanks to the tremendous work of the Chestnut Run team, this event has become much more than just a campaign or a fundraising initiative for children. It is a celebration of kindness that has become a tradition for 32 years. Today, it is an integral part of the city of Kyiv and of Ukraine as a whole. Despite COVID and the full-scale war, the team continues to work and remains committed to this wonderful event, which now also receives international support,” said Iryna Kuznietsova, initiator and organizer of the “Chestnut Run.”

On May 25, 2025, the 32nd “Chestnut Run” was held on the 1,543rd Kyiv Day. The event, traditionally supported by the Department of Youth and Sports of the Kyiv City State Administration, brought together thousands of participants committed to supporting the future of the youngest patients at the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine.

More than 8 000 people took part in the 32nd Chestnut Run. Due to the full-scale war and the constant threat of shelling, the project was held online for the fourth time: without a joint starting line, but with a single shared goal — to help children with congenital heart defects. Participants chose their own route and start time, completing the symbolic 5-kilometer distance in a location convenient and safe for them.

On May 7, 2025, the Center for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine welcomed special guests — well-known Ukrainian actors, influencers, and TV hosts. The visit took place as part of the 32nd charitable sports event “Chestnut Run,” which has supported this medical institution for 23 consecutive years. The purpose of the meeting was to draw attention to the current needs of the Center after the missile strike on July 8, 2024, on “Okhmatdyt,” the issues of congenital heart defects in children, and to support young patients who require urgent cardiac surgery.

How can you tell that the “Chestnut Run” is just around the corner?

Not from the calendar — from the start of the chestnut bloom! As soon as the chestnut candles appear, we know it’s time to lace up our sneakers and do good deeds.

Chestnuts aren’t just about spring in Kyiv. They are about life blooming despite everything. About our unity, strength, and care. And they — these green giants with white candles — are the symbol of the “Chestnut Run.” Because with them come the first start, the first “let’s go!”, and the finish with a wet back, a smile from ear to ear, and the thought: “I did this for a reason.”

And very soon — we’ll be together again! Some will start on Khreshchatyk, some from the yard of their home in Cherkasy, some in a forest near Vilnius, and some on the waterfront in Lisbon. We’ll run each on our own route, but with a single goal — to support those in need.

This year, we want to gather all these routes together to see where our beloved runners are running. That’s why your starter kit includes a fun addition — a chestnut stencil and colored chalk.

What to do with them?

When you go out on your route — anywhere in Ukraine or abroad:

— Take the stencil and chalk;

— Draw your “chestnut” steps on the pavement (the stencil is just a starting idea — feel free to draw chestnuts with patterns, inscriptions, and other creative ideas, because each drawing is your personal story);

— Take a photo or record a video;

— Mark the location where you are running;

— Share it with us on social media.

We will gather all these “chestnut” steps — and create one big map of love.

Each mark is a reminder: we are together, even if kilometers separate us.