On January 8, 2022, Embassy of Lithuania to Canada organizes a tribute run „Road of Life and Death“ (9 km run) in Ottawa, dedicated to remember and mark the 31st anniversary of the Day of Freedom Defenders in Lithuania.
Deadline to register – January 5, 2022. Register here: https://forms.gle/zVy1PuwhBEPLgTDR8
On January 13, 2022, Lithuania will be marking the 31st anniversary of the Day of Freedom Defenders to honour the memory of the victims of Soviet military aggression in Vilnius in 1991. On that date, the Soviet Union used 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. During the assault, 14 people were killed and hundreds were injured. These ordinary citizens – the Defenders of Freedom – became a symbol of Lithuania’s victory in the fight for freedom.
Since then, every year on the weekend around January 13 a Tribute run is organized in Lithuania. From Antakalnis cemetery, where those who lost their lives are buried, to the TV tower. This year it will be thirtieth (XXX) traditional tribute run. Several years ago such events also started abroad. It will be the 3rd time we organize this event in Ottawa.
The run will take place on January 8, 2022 at 11 AM. We invite all runners and supporters to start gathering at the City Hall premises before 11 AM as the first batch of runners will start exactly at 11:00 AM (run will be organized in waves to avoid crowds).
Total distance – 9km. Time limit – 1 hour 40 minutes. Run will start at the entrance of Ottawa City Hall, the participants will run 4.5km on the Pathway along the Rideau Canal, at which they will turn around, and head back to the Ottawa City Hall.
First 50 participants will receive commemorative medals. Every participant will receive souvenirs, small commemorative gifts. Event is free of charge.
More information will be provided to registered participants.
We invite all running enthusiasts, friends of Lithuania and Lithuanian community in Ottawa to join us for this important commemoration.
Rules:
Participants agree to comply with National Capital Commission (NCC) guidelines: NCC cannot guarantee the condition or exclusivity of the site; Use of the Rideau Canal Pathway remains on a first-come, first-served basis; It is important to share the space with other visitors who are there. Participants should use the right-hand side of the pathway; Participants must comply with the public health directives in effect at the time of your event.
Participants have to be fully vaccinated and ready to provide proof of vaccination (showing two doses plus a minimum of 14 days) with identification is required for all individuals 12 years and older. A face covering must be worn if physical distancing is not possible.
Participants must be physically prepared for the event and take full responsibility for their health during the event.
Participants agree that photos and videos taken during the event can be used in Embassy of Lithuania to Canada social media platforms.
