Ukrainian runners show national pride at Boston Marathon

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As he faced the hills and headwinds in the Boston Marathon, Dmytro Molchanov couldn’t stop thinking of friends and family back home in Ukraine.

"When it was really tough, I tried not to give up and tried pushing, kind of fight with myself the way Ukrainians are fighting against Russia right now," he said after crossing the finish line Monday. "It’s really tough, basically, being here while all my family, my friends and Ukrainians are fighting over there for peace in my country, in Europe and the world overall."

A 33-year-old Ukrainian citizen who lives in Brooklyn, Molchanov ran the 26.2-mile race wearing a Ukraine singlet, with his face painted his homeland's yellow and blue. He crossed the finish line with the Ukrainian flag draped over his shoulders.

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While dressed in a Ukraine shirt, a runner holds a Ukraine and American flag while approaching the finish line of the Boston Marathon, Monday, April 18, 2022, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

More than 40 Ukrainians had registered for the race, but the Russian invasion prevented many from making it to the starting line. Ukraine has barred most men from leaving the country in case they’re needed for military service.

Only a few received special permission to run in Boston.

Molchanov was the fastest among about a dozen Ukrainian citizens in the field, crossing the finish line on Boylston Street in 2 hours, 39 minutes, 20 seconds.

"I still decided to come here and show that Ukrainians are strong, we’re fighting, and we hope peace will come soon," he said.

Race organizers offered refunds or deferrals for Ukrainians who registered for this