A New Country, A New Beginning
Sometimes, the best stories start when you step into the unknown. For Natasha Blumer—who many know simply as Daisy—that step was moving from Germany to Ukraine on a Friday night. By Saturday morning, she was already out in the fresh air, cheering runners on at her first Runday.
From a Chance Meeting to a Life-Changing Connection
The seeds of her Runday journey were planted years before she ever set foot in Kyiv. Back in 2015, Daisy’s partner Jan crossed paths with Ian — the founder of Runday. Neither could have guessed how that meeting would shape their lives three years later. When Daisy and Jan finally relocated to Kyiv, they were hunting for an apartment. That’s when Jan remembered “the nice Runday man.” Today, Ian is much more than a friendly acquaintance — he’s their housemate and a link to a community Daisy now calls home.
Finding Purpose in Volunteering
Daisy is no stranger to running. But volunteering at Runday added a new dimension to her passion. She quickly discovered that she could help in many ways: leading warm-ups and cool-downs, timing finishers, preparing tea, and creating a space where everyone felt welcome. What really makes Daisy stand out is her gift for building spirit.
“Because I’m Australian, and a very loud Australian, I tend to do a lot of promotion,” she laughs. “I try to be a bit of a spirit builder. I have my whistle, I cheer people on.”
Her energy is contagious. If you’ve run at Runday in Kyiv, you’ve likely heard her voice cutting through the morning air—always ready to celebrate someone’s effort.
Belonging in a New Culture
Though Runday was Daisy’s first experience volunteering, it didn’t take long for her to feel its impact. In a city where she could have easily felt like an outsider, Runday offered her a bridge.
“As a foreigner, I feel the main benefit for me is that I feel part of the community,” she explains. “People smile, they know me. It gives me more confidence to try and use my language skills.”
For Daisy, it’s not just about the running. It’s about experiencing something alongside Ukrainians, building friendships, and feeling connected to a place she now calls home. And, she jokes, it doesn’t hurt that she’s gotten fitter in the process.
Why Runday Matters
Daisy’s story is a reminder of what Runday is really about. It’s not just a weekly 5 km run. It’s a way to find your people, no matter where you come from. It’s a reason to step outside, lend a hand, and feel that you belong.
Join the Runday Spirit
Whether you’re a lifelong local or you just arrived yesterday, there’s a place for you at Runday. Come run, volunteer, or cheer. You’ll discover that community is just one Saturday morning away.
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