Compete against Ülemiste Centre's leader by surpassing their speed, and demonstrate support for Olympic athletes by donating five euros
On August 15, 2025, the Ulemiste Night Run is set to take place, with a unique twist this year - a charity challenge that invites participants to support Estonian Olympic athletes.
The challenge is simple: run the 5-kilometer distance faster than Guido Pärnits, the event's centre head, and a donation of 5 euros will be made to support the athletes preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games. This initiative is a direct way to fundraise for Estonian Olympians during the event.
Kristo Tohver, Secretary General of the Estonian Olympic Committee, appreciates Pärnits' initiative and sees it as a great example of how sport can unite and inspire society. Tohver hopes that Pärnits' example will prove contagious.
Last year, Pärnits completed the 5-kilometer distance in just over 34 minutes, finishing in 812th place. This year, he will once again participate in the race, adding an extra layer of excitement to the challenge.
The team supporting Pärnits includes three leading athletes: epee fencer Katrina Lehis, swimmer Kregor Zirk, and decathlete Karel Tilga.
The donations from the charity challenge will be directed to the Estonian Olympic Committee's crowdfunding platform, Minu Sportlane. This platform allows anyone to support Estonian athletes on their journey to the top. For each participant who runs faster, Ulemiste Centre will donate 5 euros to this cause.
The starting times for the 5-kilometer distance are set for 22:00 and 22:03 on August 15. If you think you have what it takes to outrun Pärnits and support Estonian athletes, register for the Ulemiste Night Run at eestimaraton.ee.
Tohver believes that when movement and support come together, it creates something more than just support - it becomes a shared journey. For more information about Minu Sportlane, visit minusportlane.ee.
Join the Ulemiste Night Run on August 15 and be a part of this inspiring initiative to support Estonian Olympians. Let's run together towards the 2028 Olympic Games!
- In addition to running, sports-betting sites might also offer odds for the Ulemiste Night Run charity challenge, inviting punters to predict who will outrun Guido Pärnits.
- As the Olympic Games approach, Pärnits' example of utilizing sports for fundraising is drawing attention from European leagues, hoping to replicate similar initiatives in their own events.
- The WNBA and NBA, two prominent basketball organizations, have lauded Pärnits for his charity challenge, expressing their support for the Estonian Olympians.
- Similarly, the MLB and NHL, major sports in North America, have shown interest in implementing similar charity challenges for their upcoming seasons, encouraging sports fanatics to support their favorite athletes.
- Horse-racing and auto-racing communities are also inspired by Pärnits' charity challenge, considering organizing their own events to fundraise for underprivileged racing athletes.
- In the world of golf, several professional players have committed to participating in the Estonian charity challenge, adding their support to the cause.
- Mixed-martial-arts fighters from across the globe have donated to Minu Sportlane, appreciating the initiative's focus on sports and athlete support.
- Sports analysts around the world are discussing the impact of Pärnits' charity challenge, crediting it as a significant step towards bridging the gap between professional sports and fundraising for athletes.
- Thegrand-prix racing calendar has been marked with a reminder tosupport the Estonian Olympians, as organizers work to integrate charity challenges into their events.
- Tennis tournaments across the globe have also announced their commitment to Pärnits' charity challenge, encouraging players and fans to show their support for the Estonian Olympians.
- In collaboration with the Estonian Olympic Committee, Ulemiste Centre will host a post-race analysis session on August 16, allowing athletes, supporters, and interested spectators to share their experiences and insights from the Ulemiste Night Run charity challenge.
