The VIA Foundation

The Rookies

Johana Šťastná

Age: 24 years
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: Student
Why Run for Via?
For a good cause, but I don't know exactly which one [at Via]...?
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
I've never run a marathon, but when I do run, it's usually not less than 7 km.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
The pleasant atmosphere of being overcome by endorphins at the finish line. Also, the well-deserved post-race beer, of course.
Are you afraid of anything?
That I'll have an allergy attack and can't finish. Or that I'll be slower than Jiří Bárta.
My Runner's Secret:
Jiří will probably overtake me in the race.

Jiří Bárta

Age: 42 years
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: Sitting in an office, writing emails and talking. Sometimes, people call it being "Executive Director" of Nadace Via.
Why Run for Via?
Because I spend my life sitting in an office, and let's face it, what kind of life is that?
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
A few times, always wearing the Nadace Via t-shirt.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
That I'll be wiser this time and that I won't run myself to death like I nearly did last marathon.
Are you afraid of anything?
That I won't resist the urge and I'll try to run like last time.
My Runner's Secret:
Johana may overtake me, but if so, I can handle it.

Jan Strachovský

Age: 29 years
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: IT Consultant
Why Run for Via?
To encourage nonprofits. I know Via and the people working there and I know it is a good nonprofit.
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
Once, a half-marathon and that was enough for me. I don't have the taste to do it more than once a year, so this marathon relay is the correct solution.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
Only to finishing.
Are you afraid of anything?
I haven't done much training, so it may be pretty tough.
My Runner's Secret:
The finish line.

Petr Dudek

No info available

The Old Hands

Miroslav Motejlek

Age: 40 years
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: www.motejlek.com
Why Run for Via?
It is a great organization!
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
10 kilometers, maybe 10 times
What are you looking forward to in the race?
Riding the trams for free. [note: Marathon runners can use public transportation for free on the day of the race]
Are you afraid of anything?
Nothing.
My Runner's Secret:
I will run at least twice as slow as the winning Kenyan.

Tereza Novotná Finková

Age: 33 years
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: Editor
Why Run for Via?
It's my friend, Martina Kulíková who works at Via who got me to plunge into the marathon.
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
If I don't condition myself through practice, it will be my big premiere.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
To see all of the inserts of Hospodářsky noviny [a major Czech newspaper] which I found last time in the complimentary backpack race organizers distribute.
Are you afraid of anything?
I'm not going to wear my glasses when I run, so I'm not sure if I will be able to see which of the runners is my teammate in the baton handoff. He may also have a problem recognizing me because I'll start the race white, but probably end up black and blue...
My Runner's Secret:
It's all about properly lifting your feet.

Ondrej Vrtiška

Age: 34 years
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: I like science, but long ago I realized that I would never be a top scientist. Well, at least I can write about it.
Why Run for Via?
Because Via is a great organization, and it was thanks to running for Via last race that I became acquainted with interesting people and I couldn't resist their flattering offer to run again..
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
After May 9th, I will have run 10km at least once.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
Although I'm an introvert, the atmosphere of the half marathon [earlier this year] got me excited, so I want to have that feeling again.
Are you afraid of anything?
My right knee started inexplicably making funny clicking noises last week. Maybe it is trying to tell me something.
My Runner's Secret:
Who runs, wins.

Till Janzer

No Info Available

The Marathoners

Martina Kulíková

Age: 35 years
Race: Full Marathon
Occupation: Project Manager at Nadace Via
Why Run for Via?
Because it's an honor to run with the best team in the world!
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
This will be my premiere.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
My next medal.
Are you afraid of anything?
That it will be worse than I imagine; that it will complete destroy my feet; that I'll find out that I'm not good enough; that I'll be too sweaty and weary to complete the race; that I will run out of power and have to take the tram; that I will lose Ondrej in the crowd and I won't be able to find him; that I'll oversleep and miss the race; just terribly afraid.
My Runner's Secret:
When you begin to get on the nerves of your close ones because you only run or speak about running, there is no other way forward than persuading them to start running with you.

Ondřej Šindelář

Age: 28 years
Race: Full Marathon
Occupation: Project Assistant at Nadace Via
Why Run for Via?
Perhaps because I don't have a choice?... Seriously, for the same reason I work at Via - I believe in what we do and I know that we do it well.
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
Five times.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
That I will really enjoy it this time: looking at the panorama of Prague, being out in the sunshine, and chatting with other runners.
Are you afraid of anything?
That the running will be the same grind and agony that it always is.
My Runner's Secret:
How to enjoy the marathon? Run with friends!

Ladislav Benda

Age: 28 years
Race: Full Marathon
Occupation: Scientist
Why Run for Via?
I originally wanted to participate in the Marathon as a regular runner. Then my good friend Ondřej invited me to run as part of this team in support of a good cause, so I couldn't resist the proposal.
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
I started long-distance running last year. Since then, I've done the Prague Half Marathon twice (2009 and 2010) and the Prague Marathon once before in 2009.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
I look forward to the race primarily as a great challenge. It is an opportunity to find my limits in an extreme situation.
Are you afraid of anything?
As always, I'm worried whether I underestimated the race and if after 30 kilometers, I'll still have enough strength to finish the race. Otherwise, I think that there is really no need to worry. If you're not trying for the record books, the just run a comfortable pace and the only task it to endure it long enough.
My Runner's Secret:
In running long distance, I'm a novice, so I don't have any wisdom to impart. I guess, though, that I believe in something I read some time ago on website Behej.CZ. It said that to be sure you're not running too fast, you should be able to run in quiet conversation.

The Hockey Players

Petr Skočdopole

Age: 34
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: Editor of the weekly magazine, Instinkt
Why Run for Via?
Because I promised that I would to the Director of Via, Jiří Bárta, and I believe it's a good organization.
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
Twice, always on behalf of the Via Foundation
What are you looking forward to in the race?
The Kenyan "antelopes."
Are you afraid of anything?
That I may get in the way of the Kenyan "antelopes."
My Runner's Secret:
Don't try to be as quick as the Kenyan "antelopes."

Marek Šálek

Age: 45
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: Journalist
Why Run for Via?
I have friends there, and I know that the organization is good.
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
Not even once.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
I'll be running through Nusle where I've not been in a long time and where I used to live. Also, I'm looking forward to roasted duck, having a few beers, and hanging out with friends after the race of course!
Are you afraid of anything?
This day is not going to be a big deal. I'm just looking forward to it.
My Runner's Secret:
That the Divadlo v Dlouhé running team will probably overtake us again.

Jiří Kučera

Age: 39
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: Lawyer/Consultant
Why Run for Via?
It's a good cause, but ask Jiří to talk about what Via is doing. He's so much better at explaining it.
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
Once in my life: I ran more than ten kilometers in the Prague International Marathon last fall.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
The medal that I'll get for doing the race. It is fair that everyone who crosses the finish line gets one.
Are you afraid of anything?
Jiří Paroubek in the Strakova Academy [the seat of the Czech government]. No joke, that's really what scares me.
My Runner's Secret:
[Prague Mayor] Pavel Bém will not win the marathon.

Lukaš Vrána

Age: 33
Race: Marathon Relay
Occupation: Collecting mushrooms and other wild fruits
Why Run for Via?
Only for the Via Foundation!
How Many Times have you Run 10km or More?
Once, but I only vaguely remember it.
What are you looking forward to in the race?
When I'm at the finish line with the medal around my neck, everyone from our relay team will be there waiting for me and we'll all go out for a beer.
Are you afraid of anything?
That I won't be able to finish the distance of 12.2 kilometers.
My Runner's Secret:
Our team will cross the finish line and we won't be last?????