Gary Timm, a Jamestown native and current resident of Finland, is pictured. Timm will run the Nova Poshta Marathon in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Oct. 26. Submitted photo composition

Jamestown native Gary Timm will be heading to Kyiv, Ukraine, at the end of the month to run the Nova Poshta Marathon with a goal of finishing in under three hours.

For Timm, who has lived in Finland for more than 25 years, the race is about more than time — it’s a personal act of solidarity with the Ukrainian people.

“Running is how I can express myself,” Timm said. “By running in Kyiv, I want to show that their struggle is not forgotten. Ukrainians continue to live, work, and even organize marathons despite the war. This race is my way of honoring their resilience and humanity.”

Timm grew up in Jamestown before moving to Finland, where he now works as an entrepreneur and English communication coach. He notes that Finland’s own history with Russia has shaped how deeply Finns identify with Ukraine’s current struggle.

“Living in Finland, I’ve come to understand the importance of independence and self-determination. Finns know from experience what it means to face pressure from a powerful neighbor,” Timm said.

To make his run more than symbolic, Timm has launched a fundraising campaign with the Finnish Red Cross. His goal is to raise 42 Euros for every kilometer of the marathon — 1,764 Euros in total — for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. Donations can be made online at https://lahjoita.punainenristi.fi/fundraisers/gary-timm

Timm also hopes to raise awareness back home in the United States, where he feels the war in Ukraine has faded from daily concern.

“In the U.S., people often only see Ukraine through short news clips of destruction. What I want to show is the humanity of Ukrainians — their ability to endure, to keep going, to still celebrate life. That’s something I’ll carry with me every step of the marathon.”

The Nova Poshta Marathon takes place in Kyiv on Oct. 26.