More than 10,000 people from 59 countries took part in the Chisinau Marathon 2026 on Sunday, running through the streets of Moldova’s capital despite the cold and rain.
But for the “Not Alone” Foundation, the event was about more than sport. Its presence at the marathon brought together people who have experienced cancer themselves, supporters and volunteers, all sharing one message: children facing cancer should not have to go through it alone.
At the foundation’s stand, participants could learn more about its work and meet people whose lives have been directly touched by the organization.
For Tala, a beneficiary of the foundation, being at the marathon was a particularly meaningful moment.
“Today we came to support the ‘Not Alone’ Foundation at the stand where the city marathon is taking place. A year ago, I was in a difficult situation, and this foundation helped me get through it. And now I am here, enjoying life and watching other people run,” Tala said.
Her story is one of many behind the foundation’s work. The organization helps children affected by cancer, while also bringing together people who have personally experienced the disease and want to support others going through similar challenges.
Anastasia, a member of the foundation’s team, also went through cancer treatment herself. She attended the marathon together with a friend who has a similar experience.
“Today we are here with the ‘Not Alone’ Foundation, and together with my friend, who also went through treatment, we are part of this foundation. We are trying to organize large-scale events so that the foundation can grow, so that more people learn about us, and so that we can help as many children as possible,” Anastasia said.
The foundation’s presence at the marathon also had a musical component. Yona, who works as a DJ, once underwent cancer treatment with the support of the “Not Alone” Foundation. Today, she returned to the event in a very different role — performing as a DJ and supporting the organization that had once supported her.
“It is also very important that we have Yona, a DJ, who had cancer several years ago. She recovered, and today she is here playing for our foundation and for all the athletes,” said Artem Goloborodko, founder of the “Not Alone” Foundation.
For Goloborodko, taking part in the marathon was also an opportunity to make the foundation’s work more visible and reach people who may not yet know about it.
“Today is marathon day, and our foundation is here. A large number of people will be able to see our foundation and learn about it. And since we stand for health and are all about health, this is why we are here,” he said.
The message of solidarity was also reflected in the atmosphere of the marathon itself.
Prime Minister Vasile Tofan praised the participants for turning up despite the difficult weather conditions and highlighted the international character of the event.
“It is a great source of pride to see so many people who, despite the rain and despite the cold, decided to run through the streets of Chisinau today. Moreover, alongside participants from the Republic of Moldova, we have participants from 59 countries,” Tofan said.
The prime minister also encouraged visitors from abroad to discover Moldova beyond the sporting competition, including its traditional cuisine and wines.
The Chisinau Marathon featured several races, including the full marathon over 42.195 kilometers, a 21-kilometer half marathon, as well as 10-kilometer, 5-kilometer and 1.5-kilometer Fun Run races. Separate races were also organized for wheelchair athletes over 5, 10 and 21 kilometers.
A day earlier, on September 12, children aged between 5 and 14 took part in Kids Run Day.
Held in its current format since 2015, the Chisinau Marathon has become one of Moldova’s major mass sporting events, bringing together professional athletes, amateurs, families and participants from around the world.
For the people representing the “Not Alone” Foundation, however, Sunday’s marathon carried a meaning beyond the race itself.
It was a chance to show that difficult chapters can be followed by new beginnings — and that when someone is facing one of the hardest battles of their life, they do not have to face it alone.