Exclusive 570-Kilometer Run Along Lithuania’s Belarus Border to Support Drone Campaign

For more than a day, Lithuanian Riflemen will run a 570-kilometer relay along the country’s border with Belarus, turning an endurance challenge into a public show of support for drone defense.

The run, scheduled for Sept. 12 and 13, will begin from opposite ends of the border route. Two teams will move toward one another, changing runners along the way and passing a relay baton and GPS tracker between stages. They will meet at the finish in Turgeliai village, in Vilnius district. The public will be able to follow the runners’ movement online in real time.

The route was chosen to highlight the border area whose defensive capabilities will receive part of the funds raised through Dronaton 2.0. The nationwide charity campaign, organized by Blue/Yellow, seeks to collect 1 million euros for interceptor drones intended to strengthen the air defenses of Ukraine and Lithuania.

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This time, we wanted not to talk abstractly about national security, but to visibly show the territory whose defensive capabilities we will strengthen with your support. The Riflemen will run for more than a day to draw attention to this goal.

“This time, we wanted not to talk abstractly about national security, but to visibly show the territory whose defensive capabilities we will strengthen with your support,” Blue/Yellow director Laura Paukštė said. “The Riflemen will run for more than a day to draw attention to this goal.”

Lithuanian Riflemen’s Union commander Col. Linas Idzelis said endurance, determination and constant readiness to defend the country were core values for the organization. He described the relay as more than a physical test, calling it a message that the Riflemen remain alert, united and ready to act.

Only registered participants who selected specific route segments will take part. Organizers require reflective clothing and lights during night stages, and warn that start times may change. Participants may share images online, except in designated border areas where filming and photography are strictly prohibited. Residents, companies, sports clubs and communities can also create their own fundraising challenges through the Blue/Yellow website.

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For the Riflemen, endurance, determination and constant readiness to defend our country are fundamental values.