Ukrainians set a new national record at the Euro 2026 Marathon: debut over 42 km and competition with world leaders

Historic debut of the Ukrainian national team over the marathon distance

On August 15, 2026, in Birmingham, UK, one of the most anticipated stages of the European Athletics Championships concluded — the race walking competition over the marathon distance (42 km). For the Ukrainian national team, this tournament was significant: for the first time in the history of the national team, athletes competed over such an exhausting distance within the framework of the European Championship. The results exceeded expectations — Ukrainians not only made their debut but also updated national records, securing their place in the world elite.

Tournament organizers, as well as international experts, noted the high level of preparation of Ukrainian athletes, despite the fact that the 42 km distance is traditionally considered one of the most difficult in race walking. This event became an important step in the development of Ukrainian sports and confirmed that the country is capable of competing on equal terms with leading European athletes.

Anna Shevchuk — sixth place and personal record

In the women's competition, the sole representative of Ukraine was Anna Shevchuk. Debuting over the marathon distance at the level of the European Championship, she showed an outstanding result — 3 hours 26 minutes 02 seconds. This is not only her personal record but also a new national record for Ukraine over this distance.

Shevchuk finished in 6th place, losing to the winner — Italian Sofia Fiorini, who set a new world record — 2:56:49. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian's result was recognized as one of the best among debutants and caused admiration among coaches and fans. Experts note that such a result opens up prospects for Shevchuk to participate in the 2028 Olympic Games.

Maryan Zakalnytskyi — top ten and national record

In the men's category, three athletes represented Ukraine. The best result was shown by Maryan Zakalnytskyi, who took the final 10th place with a result that also became a new national record. His performance became a symbol of resilience and progress of the Ukrainian school of race walking.

The championship gold was won by Italian Massimo Stano, who, like Fiorini, updated the world record — 2:56:49. This became a historic moment: for the first time in the history of the European Championship, both winners set world records over the same distance. For Ukraine, Zakalnytskyi's result became an important step towards moving to a new level of competition.

Contradictory data

In some sources, including individual publications on social media, it is mentioned that Ukrainian athletes took higher places — for example, 5th or 8th. However, the official protocols of the European Championship, published on the website of the European Athletics Association (European Athletics), confirm exactly the 6th place for Anna Shevchuk and the 10th for Maryan Zakalnytskyi. Differences may be related to preliminary data, which were later corrected after verification by the judges' commission.

Also, in a number of materials, it is erroneously indicated that Lyudmyla Olyanovska competed over the marathon distance. In fact, she won bronze over the half-marathon (21.1 km), which is a separate discipline. The editorial offices of Sport RBC.UA and XAB.info confirm that information about her participation in the marathon does not correspond to reality.

Significance of success for Ukrainian sports

The success of Ukrainian athletes at Euro 2026 is not just sports achievements, but a symbol of resilience and development of the national team under complex geopolitical circumstances. Updating records and entering the top 10 at the European level demonstrates that Ukrainian sports continue to grow and develop, despite external challenges.

The coaching staff of the national team has already announced plans to expand preparation for the next international competitions, including the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028. Support from the state and private sponsors, such as PlantIn, whose logo is visible on the athletes' uniforms, also plays a key role in the development of infrastructure and athlete preparation.