Helderbergers are implored to place their hearts in their pockets to rally support for a Somerset West teen who will put her passion for endurance running to the test and lace-up for a worthy cause.
Come April, keen runner Mila Mitrovic will tough out the globally appealing Totalsports Two Oceans 21.1 km half-marathon in aid of Child Welfare Helderberg. The much-anticipated event is scheduled to take place in Cape Town on Sunday 16 April, with 16 000 participants darting over the starting line in Newlands to tackle the spectacular 21,1 km route and ultimately cross the finish line in Rondebosch.
“The Two Oceans marathon is a race I have wanted to complete ever since I started running,” the 17-year-old said. “When I took up the sport, running a marathon or half-marathon seemed like an unattainable goal, and now I am able to run the amazing race I’m glad that I can take on the challenge and help people by just doing what I love – running.”
Mila has set her sights on running a new personal best in hopes of building experience while raising R10 000, which will go directly to the local child welfare organisation. “And all this while enjoying the beautiful route that this race is famous for!” she added.
Mila explained her mom Tanya’s working at the Child Welfare Helderberg offices played a big part in its selection as beneficiary. The teen initiated the fundraising effort after helping out with a charity book sale last year and being inspired by employees’ diehard dedication to helping underprivileged children in the basin. “I believe this is as good a cause as any to support, so anyone who feels like doing something, even just sharing the cause to help the underprivileged children in our area would go a long way,” reckoned Mila.
The teen has always enjoyed running, ever since she tried out cross-country at the tender age of seven. However, it wasn’t until she laced-up again at the beginning of 2020, taking to neighbourhood roads, that she truly discovered her love for the sport. With pandemic-induced lockdowns putting a spanner in the running works, she unfortunately stopped running halfway through 2021. But later, she decided to run every day, come what may.
Such determination has fuelled her running journey, which has sparked relationships with many great people and resulted in her joining the Helderberg Harriers club. As a kitted member, Mila participated in her first official running event, the 10-km Cape Town Marathon, in October.
Not only did she tough-out the challenge, but placed overall 274th, the 58th woman to cross the finish line in 47 minutes and 31 seconds, and managed a top-10 junior female finish against other juniors older than her.
Mila also competed in 21 km Winelands half-marathon and saw the race through in just under two hours, ranking 494th overall and third in the junior female category. In December, she signed up for the 10 km Bottelary Road Race, placing overall 25th and first in the junior female category.
“I really can’t imagine myself being this happy today if I hadn’t fallen in love with running,” said Mila.
In leading up to the half-marathon, Mila will take on the 15 km Top Form Bay to Bay race to be held in Camps Bay on Sunday 22 January.
The running enthusiast has championed a Back-a-Buddy crowd funding campaign and calls on anyone willing and able to assist by pledging their valued support. For more information, visit wwww.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/running-211km-to-support-child-welfare-sa..Those interested in becoming involved with Child Welfare as a potential board member, can email Mariette at secretary@childwelfarehelderberg.co.za.
