A Life Measured in Kilometres
At first glance, Yuriy Chernyagin doesn’t look like someone who has spent half a century running. But if you ask him about the milestones that shaped his life, you’ll quickly realise that running has always been at the heart of his story.
Yuriy, now 68, has run 15 marathons. He’s crossed countless finish lines. And, three weeks ago, he completed his 100th Runday—a moment he celebrated with the same quiet determination he brings to every Saturday morning.
From Reluctant Soldier to Passionate Runner
Yuriy’s first run was not about fitness or joy. It was about orders. In 1969, the day after he was conscripted into the army near St. Petersburg, he was forced to run 3 kilometres in military boots and uniform. He still shudders at the memory:
“It was my first run ever. I suffered a lot before I completed it.”
His time—20 minutes—was almost double the requirement. But what felt like failure eventually became the spark for something bigger.
Running for Love
By 1973, Yuriy had found an entirely new reason to run. Stationed at a military base 8 kilometres from where his wife and child lived, he decided to bridge the distance on foot. Every morning, while the world was still asleep, he ran 8 kilometres to see them. And then 8 kilometres back to duty. He didn’t tell anyone—he just laced up and went. Years later, he realised that those secret runs were the first he ever truly enjoyed.
“Suddenly, I realised that it was an 8-kilometre distance, not three. I realised that I liked it.”
A Hundred Runs and Counting
Since 2017, Yuriy has been a fixture at the Trukhaniv Runday in Kyiv. Unless work or illness keeps him away, he never misses a Saturday. He has become something of a legend in the group—someone who brings decades of experience and an easy smile.
“I like that the group is young. It’s a nice feeling, running among youngsters. I get charged with their energy,” he says.
To Yuriy, running is both a habit and a celebration. In 2019, when he marked the 50th anniversary of his first run, he didn’t just tell people—he threw a picnic. Because some milestones deserve more than applause.
Running Into the Future
Next year, Yuriy will turn 69. He has no plans to slow down. Running, he says, is the reason he feels confident, strong, and connected to life.
“I will run as long as my legs can move.”
His story is proof that it’s never too late to start. And never too soon to fall in love with running.
Join Yuriy’s Journey
If you’ve ever wondered what Runday is all about, think of Yuriy. It’s about showing up — week after week — because movement is life. And life is worth celebrating. Come find your own reason to run. We’ll be waiting.
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