Commemorating January 13

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On Saturday, January 7, about 6,000 people joined the traditional Life and Death Run in Vilnius to honour the memory of those killed during the Soviet crackdown on January 13, 1991. Participants completed a symbolic 9-km stretch from Antakalnis Cemetery to the Vilnius TV tower.

Lithuania’s amateur running association says that almost 2,500 people from all over Lithuania registered to run, as well as individual participants from the US, Croatia, Belgium, Latvia, Belarus, Ecuador, the United Kingdom, and Hungary. Vidmantas Dobrovolskas, the association’s president, reported that about 1,200 members of the Lithuania Riflemen’s Union and 2,600 military personnel also took part in the run.

This year’s run stood out as many participants expressed solidarity with Ukraine in its struggle against Russia’s invasion. Smaller runs were organized at the same time in the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Romania. The run is organized in cooperation with the Defence Ministry and the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

The Life and Death Run has been held annually since 1992, except for 2021 when it was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions. A record-high number of 8,000 participants ran three years ago. The run pays tribute to the people who perished on the night of January 13, 1991, and to those who died of injuries sustained when Soviet troops stormed the Vilnius TV Tower and the Radio and Television Committee building.

On Sunday, January 15, the Embassy of Lithuania in Canada is organizing a Life and Death run in Ottawa to commemorate what is now called Lithuanian Freedom Fighters’ Day. This year it is also meant to express solidarity with Ukraine and its people, who are so bravely fighting for freedom today. The run in Ottawa, being organized for the fourth time, will begin with registration at 8:30 am at the Café Ukraine, 911 Carling Ave, and a 9 am start. The event is free of charge, but donations to Lithuanian organizations supporting Ukraine are welcomed.

Lithuanians outside of Ottawa are encouraged to participate virtually, running the 9 kilometres at some point from January 13 to 15th and to share their photos with the Embassy. “Virtual” participants will be awarded with commemorative medals. Due to their limited number, they will be sent only to Canadian addresses. Registration for either form of participation ends on January 12.

See registration forms at:  https://forms.gle/jusBN9P1iovpiqXD8.

Also see us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1341741566651180.