Meet the Ukraine II Team: Vitaliy Shafar and Marina Nemchenko Ready to Shine at the 46th Nationale-Nederlanden Warsaw Marathon
As we count down to the 46th Nationale-Nederlanden Warsaw Marathon, we are excited to introduce the elite athletes representing Ukraine II in the TEAM UP! Europe rivalry project. This formidable team consists of two exceptional long-distance runners: Vitaliy Shafar and Marina Nemchenko, both of whom bring a wealth of experience, talent, and dedication to the marathon stage.
Vitaliy Shafar: Olympic Marathoner with World-Class Experience
A veteran of the marathon world, Vitaliy Shafar is no stranger to high-stakes races. Vitaliy represented Ukraine at the 2012 London Olympic Games, finishing 29th in the men’s marathon—an impressive feat on the world’s biggest athletic stage. But his accomplishments don’t stop there. In the following years, Vitaliy made headlines with his stellar performances at the Boston Marathon, where he finished 4th in 2014 and 10th in 2015.
His experience in prestigious international races, combined with his Olympic pedigree, makes Vitaliy one of the most seasoned competitors at this year’s Warsaw Marathon. With his strategic racing style and unmatched endurance, Vitaliy is aiming for a top performance both individually and in the team competition as part of Team Ukraine II.
Marina Nemchenko: Rising Star of Ukrainian Long-Distance Running
Joining Vitaliy is Marina Nemchenko, a rising star in Ukrainian athletics. Hailing from Kharkiv, Marina has been dedicated to long-distance running for over 13 years, consistently improving and setting new personal records along the way. In 2021, she claimed the title of Ukrainian Marathon Champion, and this year she added another national title to her resume, becoming the Ukrainian Champion in the 10,000m.
2024 has been a breakout year for Marina. She has dramatically improved her half marathon time, shaving it down from 1:13:15 to an impressive 1:11:13—a testament to her relentless training and determination to push her limits. Marina’s growth as an athlete makes her a key player in Team Ukraine II, and she is eager to showcase her talent on the streets of Warsaw.
Ukraine II: A Team with Experience and Ambition
Together, Vitaliy Shafar and Marina Nemchenko form a powerful team for Ukraine. Vitaliy’s wealth of international marathon experience, paired with Marina’s rapid rise in long-distance running, makes Team Ukraine II one to watch at the Warsaw Marathon. Competing individually and in the team rivalry project, Vitaliy and Marina are prepared to give their all in this prestigious event.
As they represent Ukraine on the marathon course, both athletes will draw on their years of dedication, their national pride, and their ambition to excel against Europe’s best. Team Ukraine II is set to make a significant impact at the 46th Nationale-Nederlanden Warsaw Marathon, and we can’t wait to see what they achieve!
