Roman Kashpur: Ukrainian war hero conquers Tokyo Marathon 2024 with prosthetic leg

3.11 EXPLORING FUKUSHIMA: This feature is part of an original Milwaukee Independent editorial series that documented the 13th anniversary of the "Great East Japan Earthquake," tsunami, and nuclear accident, including the conditions of both the people and places that remain affected by the disaster across the Tōhoku region. mkeind.com/exploringfukushima

In an inspiring demonstration of courage, Ukrainian war veteran Roman Kashpur once again captivated the world by completing the 2024 Tokyo Marathon on March 3, despite running with a prosthetic leg.

He was the first wounded Ukrainian veteran to finish the full marathon distance in Tokyo, and Kashpur hopes he will not be the last.

Kashpur, who lost his leg in combat while defending Ukraine, has been running marathons to inspire other wounded veterans. He also hopes to keep a spotlight on Russia’s ambitions to seize his homeland, and the suffering it has caused since Putin launched an unprovoked full-scale invasion in 2022.

Kashpur volunteered to fight for his country at 19 years old, two years after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea. At 22 he faced a life-altering event, when a landmine exploded during his 2019 deployment near Marinka in Donetsk Oblast. Part of his leg was lost as a result of the blast.

Instead of succumbing to despair, Kashpur found solace and a new purpose in sports, channeling his energy into becoming an exemplary figure of determination and strength. Although he had not previously been interested in sports, Kashpur began running after his injury with the hope that the exercise would improve his mobility.

Less than a year after his amputation, Kashpur emerged victorious at the Heroes Games, an event that celebrates the spirit of wounded veterans. His remarkable accomplishments did not stop there. In December 2021, he set a national record by pulling a 16-tonne An-26 aircraft over a distance of 6.4 meters in just 44 seconds. He was honored for his extraordinary physical and mental fortitude.

Participating in the 2024 Tokyo Marathon marked a significant milestone in Kashpur’s journey. He was both competing as an athlete and showcasing the effectiveness of his training and rehabilitation.

He finished the marathon in under 5 hours, a personal best for Kashpur. He celebrated the milestone on social media, and dedicated his accomplishment to fellow wounded Ukrainian veterans.

“Tokyo Marathon 2024 – Mission accomplished. This is the third marathon in the TOP 6. This is the vector that had to show whether we were doing everything right. The time is better than in all previous marathons – 4 hours and 50 minutes. This time proves we did everything right.” – Roman Kashpur

Kashpur’s participation in the Tokyo Marathon surpassed his personal goals. It sent a powerful message of resilience and hope to other injured soldiers in Ukraine, urging them to rediscover their purpose and continue fighting their battles, both personally and collectively.

The Tokyo Marathon, a prestigious event in the World Marathon Majors series, became a platform for Kashpur to advocate for the rehabilitation of injured veterans through sports.

Kashpur’s marathon run was part of a larger narrative in his ongoing commitment to supporting fellow veterans. The ultimate aim is to raise awareness and funds for the rehabilitation of wounded Ukrainian soldiers, highlighting the daily challenges faced by soldiers on the front lines, and the therapeutic benefits of physical activity in their recovery process.

Along the entire length of the Marathon’s course, spectators cheered him on in Ukrainian by saying, “Glory to Ukraine.”

His decision to carry the flag of his military unit – signed by Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during these marathons was a powerful symbol of solidarity.

“The goal of this challenge remains the same … to motivate seriously injured brothers and sisters. I want to show that life goes on no matter what. I also have a huge chance to help the seriously injured not only by my example but also by tangible support. During my marathons in the U.S., I will raise funds for the Citizen Charity Foundation for them to purchase prosthetics for a fighter with the call sign ‘Malyi’ who needs a prosthetic upper limb.” – Roman Kashpur

Kashpur’s initiative to raise funds for prosthetics for fellow veterans also underscored his dedication to supporting the rehabilitation of injured soldiers.

As Kashpur continues to prepare for future marathons, his journey remains a powerful reminder that the potential for triumph over tragedy extends far beyond the finish lines he crosses.