Milan´s 1,200 km journey for a good cause

TERIBEAR is a charity run organized by Tereza Maxová Foundation in support of abandoned and disadvantaged children in the Czech Republic. It has been joined by thousands of people who run, walk or take part in other sports activities. For each kilometer recorded, the race partners donate 10 Czech crowns (0.38 Euro) to the charity fund. During the pandemic situation this year, the participants needed just a GPS and a mileage tracking app and could join from anywhere – the Czech Republic or any place in the world.

Year after year, dozens of our colleagues were contributing to this cause; but this year we had a new-joiner – Milan Holuska. While Milan says he has never been an athlete or even hobby runner, with a strong will, perseverance, and commitment he walked more than 1200 km and won the bronze award out of more than 3000 runners.

Would like to know how Milan found out about the race, what challenged him and how he contributed?

If yes, read further to find out what he shared.

Milan, how did you decide to join the race? 

Milan: First of all, I would like to clarify one thing – for me, it was not about running. I was only able to walk as I had surgery on both of my knees (twice on one of them!). It was more about endurance and challenging my mind.  It was great to know that every step that sometimes really hurt was not taken in vain but helped others.

Honestly, I can't even run and I've never been an athlete. But I walk well, I ride my bike and skate a bit. I do cynological sports (sports with dogs) with my Staffordshire Bull Terriers – Unyc and Dac and I am also a big fan of motorsports.

What was the hardest part of the race?

Milan: The hardest part was combining everything with work responsibilities. I am Technical Centre’s Supervisor at Coca-Cola Horni Pocernice Plant. During the working day, I was able to walk a maximum of 51 km. The number was much higher at weekends. I packed everything I needed in a backpack and left for the 223 km long journey. I slept under the sky. One day I wandered on the rocks at midnight. I had walked 60 km when I suddenly lost the navigation signal. I'm laughing about it now, but I wasn't feeling good at the time. There was a risk of falling off a rock, but everything turned out well and I found a way out.

The final fight for the third place of TERIBEAR race was also difficult. Everyone fought for every kilometer.

What did you enjoy most?

Milan: To see the expression of parents and friends when I came to Česká Lípa (city) from Prague (100km) for a day. I told them I came on foot to grab a beer together; we all laughed a lot. 

Another great achievement was to get to know my own body better. I never thought I could walk 100 km in one day. I use trekking poles for walking, which I recommend. It relieves the knees and engages the whole body. With sticks, I am able to develop and maintain a speed of up to 7km/h. I got to see a lot of beautiful places and views on the road, which I didn't even know about. In the end, the greatest feeling was knowing that every step was helping children in need.

I’m grateful the TERIBEAR race has raised 10 million Czech crowns, approx. 38 000 Euros, for the cause and I will be gladly joining next year again, hopefully with an even bigger Coca-Cola HBC TERIBEAR team.

Wherever you are, whatever you do, you can contribute to a good cause.