Ukrainian Refugee Who Fled War Wins Jerusalem Marathon

A Ukrainian refugee who fled the country after Russia invaded was able to place first for women and third overall in Jerusalem's 2022 Marathon.

Valentyna Veretska, 31, was able to finish the race with a time of 02:45:54. Following her victory, images of Veretska have begun appearing on social media.

"Spare a thought for the absolutely insane and dedicated people running in the Jerusalem marathon/half marathon/10k/5k today in the bitter cold, freezing rain and blustery wind," The Times of Israel correspondent Judah Ari Gross wrote on his Twitter.

"Including Valentyna Veretska, a Ukrainian refugee who came in first among women and third overall," he wrote in a follow-up tweet.

He also shared a picture of Veretska holding up Israel's flag in one hand and Ukraine's in the other as she crossed the finish line.

Veretska fled Ukraine with her 11-year-old daughter and asked the marathon organizers to help her participate "for the people of Ukraine," according to The Times of Israel.

After completing the race, Veretska spoke about the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, according to sports site Shvoong.

"I hope the war in Ukraine ends quickly. What is happening in my country should not be happening," Veretska said, according to a Google translation.

The Times of Israel report also claimed Veretska spoke to the Israeli news site Ynet.

"[I ran for] my family and friends…I knew I needed to do my best. That's how my voice will be heard. It's for them, for the people of Ukraine," she said.

"I'm really happy here. I finished a marathon and have a lot of energy because the people are very sociable and energetic.

"In truth, today is my first positive day since the Russian invasion of Ukraine."

People have been fleeing Ukraine since Russian President Vladimir Putin launched, what he called, a "special military operation" in the country on February 24.

On Thursday the United States said it would accept up to 100,000 refugees from the war.

A senior U.S. administration official said the country is looking at legal avenues to accept Ukrainians fleeing the invasion.

"To meet this commitment we are considering the full range of legal pathways to the United States" for refugees fleeing the invasion, the official said.

The Biden administration will "expand and develop new programs" to help with the effort, with a focus on aiding refugees who have family members living in the United States, the official said.

Follow our live blog for updates on the Russia-Ukraine conflict.