Tribute Run “The Road of Life and Death” in Ottawa and across Canada
On January 15, 2023 the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania organizes a 9 km Tribute run “The Road of Life and Death“ to commemorate the Lithuanian Freedom Defenders’ Day. This year the run is dedicated not only to commemorate the bloody events of January 13, 1991, but also to express solidarity with Ukraine and its people who today are bravely defending their and our Freedom.
On January 13, 1991, the Soviet Union used military force to overthrow Lithuania's legitimate government, which declared the country's independence on March 11, 1990. The Soviet army attacked Vilnius TV tower, Lithuanian Radio and Television and other strategic infrastructure. After taking over TV tower and Radio and television, tanks moved to the Parliament. Thousands of unarmed Parliament defenders were there. And Soviets stepped back. During January events more than 600 brave Lithuanians were injured, 14 were killed. These ordinary citizens - the Defenders of Freedom - became the symbol of Lithuania’s fight.
The Tribute run “Road of Life and Death” has been organized in Lithuania every January since 1992 and the Embassy of Lithuania to Canada joined the initiative in 2020. Participants run symbolic 9 kilometers - the distance from Antakalnis Cemetery, where the victims of the events of January 13th are laid to rest, to Vilnius TV Tower, which they were defending.
The event in Ottawa will take place on Sunday, January 15, 2023. Registration begins at 8:30 am; the run takes off at 9:00 am from Café Ukraine, 911 Carling Ave. Distance is 9 km. The event is free of charge. During the event we will kindly accept cash donations, which will be transferred to Lithuanian foundations supporting Ukrainian fight for Freedom.
Across Canada, we invite everyone to participate virtually. Virtual participants have to complete a 9 km distance on January 13-15, 2023 and send photographs to the Embassy. Virtual participants will also receive commemorative medals on first come-first served basis (please provide with a full mailing address in the registration form, medals will only be shipped within Canada).
More information about the event will be sent to registered participants (for both in-person and virtual events).
Registration deadline – January 12, 2023.
Registration form and detailed information - https://forms.gle/jusBN9P1iovpiqXD8
Facebook event page – https://www.facebook.com/events/1341741566651180
We invite all running enthusiasts, friends of Lithuania and Ukraine in Ottawa and across all Canada to participate!
