Ülemiste Center Head Raises Funds for Decathlete Karel Tilga Through Running Challenge

Guido Pärnits, the CEO of Ülemiste Center, is launching a unique fundraising initiative to support Estonian decathlete Karel Tilga. Following Tilga's fifth-place finish at the European Athletics Championships in Birmingham, Pärnits will participate in a running event in Tallinn, challenging locals to outrun him.

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Estonia's best multi-event athlete has been decided in Birmingham, so tonight in Tallinn, I hope to lose to as many people as possible. The more people run faster than me, the greater Karel Tilga's support will grow. This is one of the few challenges where I am genuinely happy to lose.

The concept is simple yet effective: for every participant who completes the race faster than Pärnits, a corresponding donation will be made to Tilga. "This is one of the few challenges where I am genuinely happy to lose," Pärnits stated, emphasizing his commitment to supporting the athlete. He sees running as a natural fit for supporting athletics, especially when thousands participate in such events.

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Running is athletics. If thousands of runners are moving at our event, the most natural partner is the Estonian Athletics Association. Thus, every finish is more than a personal achievement – it becomes support for Estonian top sports.

Madis Kallas, president of the Estonian Athletics Association (EKJL), highlighted the project's innovative approach in linking mass sports participation with elite athletic support. "Reaching and staying at the top in sports is very expensive, which is why the contribution of companies is extremely important," Kallas noted. The initiative, building on a similar successful event last year, allows every runner to contribute to the success of Estonian multi-event athletes.

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Reaching and staying at the top in sports is very expensive, which is why the contribution of companies is extremely important. The Ülemiste Center's initiative cleverly links mass sports and elite sports and gives every runner the opportunity to be a supporter of Estonian multi-event athletes.