On 10 October, the village of Stilsko in the Lviv region will host the Lviv Opillia Trail run for the first time. Participants will be offered four distances, and during the event funds will be raised for recovery and support programmes for veterans at the Spravzhni Rehabilitation and Recreation Centre.
The start and finish of all routes will be set up on the grounds of the Spravzhni Centre. The organisers present the run as a full-day event: people can join both the sporting part and the entertainment and educational programme for families.
Participants are invited to choose one of four distances depending on their experience and fitness level: 1 km “Lake Scout”, 13 km “In the Footsteps of the White Croats”, 20 km “Seeker of the Pryima Grotto” and 30 km “Conqueror of Lviv Opillia”. Lviv Opillia Trail aims to showcase to runners, travellers and families the natural locations of Lviv Opillia with its hills, forests, cliffs, caves and historical monuments.
Alongside the races, there will be a supporting programme for visitors: a fair of local producers, family and children's activities, a charity tour of the Stilsko hillfort, lunch, musical performances and an evening campfire. Visitors will be able both to take part in the activities and simply relax in nature.
Concessionary participation terms are provided for veterans and serving military personnel: the organisers cover 90% of the registration fee, so each veteran pays only 10% of the amount. Co-organiser of the event is the Gorgany chain, which together with partners is also implementing other initiatives for veterans, including mountain hikes.
During Lviv Opillia Trail, funds will be raised for the Spravzhni Centre's programmes. The institution creates a space and programmes for recovery, active leisure, communication and the reintegration of veterans into civilian life. People will be able to support the initiative directly on site through charity activities or by making contributions using the bank details provided by the organisers.
The organisers plan to turn Lviv Opillia Trail into an annual event, changing locations and routes to gradually introduce participants to different corners of Lviv Opillia.