Chisinau Big Hearts Marathon – the biggest sports event in Moldova, and more than a game for its participants

Together with a friend, Dumitru had travelled to Chisinau a couple of days before the event, to test the racing wheelchairs at the NGO People with Disabilities of the Republic of Moldova, which provided the special equipment free of charge.

Dumitru was very enthusiastic about the Marathon. “I was competing in this for the second time. I came from Bender just for the race” he said.

For his friend, also named Dumitru, it was the first time participating. 

 ”Dima told me about his experience, and I wanted to try too”, he says.

The Big Hearts Marathon, which took place on 24th September this year, has been organized annually in Moldova’s capital city since 2015, and has quickly become an iconic event for the city and beyond.  

In a spirit of inclusivity, the marathon brings together professional runners, children, refugees, persons with disabilities, diplomats, politicians humanitarian workers, as well as ordinary people who enjoy sports and sharing with their community.  

This year, runners from 52 different countries participated in the marathon, including several who are refugees from Ukraine. 

Among the participants were also staff from different local and international organisations present in Moldova, including UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, as well as Charity Center for Refugees and Intersos, who in the spirit of solidarity and inclusion of UNHCR’s global Hope Away from Home campaign, dedicated their run to someone who inspires them.

Sports can be a catalyst for positive change, inclusion and empowerment, bringing refugee and local communities together, strengthening social relations, and providing opportunities for people with disabilities and other vulnerable communities to participate in meaningful and welcoming activities. 

As part of its sport strategy for 2022-2026, UNHCR continues to strive to use the unique capacity of sports programmes and partnerships, in Moldova and around the world, to improve the lives of displaced and stateless people, and the communities in which they live.