Rev. James D. Conley, D.D., S.T.L. | Diocese of Lincoln website

Steve Sousek, a member of North American Martyrs Parish in Lincoln, will embark on a 520-mile route from June 22-26 to benefit RUNBORN, an entity supporting women and children in crisis, as well as unborn children.

Sousek created RUNBORN in 2020 and has participated in events to raise funds for the Women’s Care Center and St. Gianna Women’s Home in Lincoln. The events have raised more than $101,000.

In June 2020, Sousek ran approximately 520 miles in 10 days. In June 2021, he completed five long-distance triathlons—the equivalent of five Ironman races—in five days, spanning more than 700 miles. In 2022, due to lingering effects of COVID-19, he scaled down his event. In 2023, health issues including blood clots and a torn calf muscle forced him to scale back his plans again.

To celebrate the fifth year of RUNBORN's fundraising efforts, Sousek decided to repeat the route from the first year. He plans to complete the 520-mile route in five days instead of ten by running 15-20 miles and biking 85-90 miles each day.

“I feel blessed God has allowed me to remain healthy so far this year,” Sousek said. “I am really looking forward to traveling across the state again. That first year of RUNBORN will always be special to me, and repeating that route will be very motivating for me. I have always called it a pilgrimage as we visited and prayed a rosary at 46 churches on that route.”

While not in the same fitness shape as he was during the first RUNBORN event in 2020, Sousek said he continues to improve and feels better fit than he has for two years.

“I think the last two years have been a good humbling experience for me,” he said, “and a good reminder that God is in charge. He has me on this journey with RUNBORN and I just need to follow his plan. He has been doing remarkable things with it so far and I need to stay patient, trust, and open to whatever he wants to ask of me.”

Sousek has been participating in races and bike events such as BRAN (Bike Ride Across Nebraska) to help prepare. He wore RUNBORN shirts during BRAN to help advertise and was amazed by all the opportunities God provided him to strike up conversations with other riders or spectators.

“So many people asked me about it,” he said. “There was not a single person that said anything negative at all.”

He believes RUNBORN can raise awareness of resources available to help people choose life over abortion.

“I’m sure God will create many good opportunities during the event,” Sousek stated.

RUNBORN 2024 will take place from June 22-26. Sousek will traverse from the Colorado border west of Grant to the Iowa border at Plattsmouth. The runborn.org website will be updated with event details and a link for donations. Sousek hopes to raise $25,000 this year; all donations will be split between Catholic Social Services of Southern Nebraska’s St. Gianna program and the Women’s Care Center of Lincoln.

To learn more or donate, visit www.runborn.org or follow Steve’s journey on Facebook at www.facebook.com/irunborn.

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