Ukrainian war hero completes all six world marathons on prosthetic leg, aims for Ironman

The Ukrainian World Congress reported the information.

On April 21 in Boston, Roman Kashpur crossed the final finish line of the Abbott World Marathon Majors — not just as a runner, but as a proud Ukrainian defender.

Wearing a prosthetic after losing his leg to a landmine in 2019, Kashpur turned adversity into inspiration, dedicating his races to Ukraine’s defenders and his newborn daughter, Viktoria.

“I dedicate this accomplishment to my 2-month-old daughter, Viktoria, and to the heroic service members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine,” Kashpur told the Ukrainian World Congress, reflecting on his journey after finishing the Boston Marathon.

Kashpur’s final marathon came just two days before a symbolic date - April 23, the anniversary of his first major race in London. Fittingly, the Boston Marathon’s official colors - blue and yellow - mirrored the Ukrainian flag, a powerful reminder that Ukraine’s spirit shines across the world.

At a heartfelt ceremony at the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago, Kashpur gifted a signed flag from the “Beaver” 808th Engineering Brigade to the Ukrainian diaspora as a token of gratitude.

“I love Chicago, I love the Ukrainian community here,” he said, flanked by supporters including members of Revived Soldiers Ukraine and the Kyiv Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International. “Here in Chicago, I’ve had the strongest support - a community that truly runs alongside me.”

A proud native of Vinnytsia Oblast, Kashpur enlisted in the Ukrainian Armed Forces in 2016, serving in the Right Sector Volunteer Corps and the 74th Reconnaissance Battalion. After being injured in 2019, he returned to service in 2022, training new recruits. 

Now wearing his Six Star Finisher Medal, Kashpur sets his sights on an even greater challenge: the Ironman triathlon.

“I’m ready to start training,” he said with quiet confidence. “Ukraine runs through my veins — and I’ll carry our flag further still.”

“We are deeply moved to host Roman [Kashpur] and receive a national flag from someone who has quite literally carried Ukraine’s strength across continents,” said Zachary Dmyterko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian National Museum. “His visit is not only an inspiration to our community but also a reminder of the resilience and courage of the Ukrainian people.”