Mounties Miler to test heart and sole

Staff and students at Mount Helena Primary School are preparing to tackle an epic endurance challenge next month to test their resilience and support their school community.

The inaugural ‘Mounties Miler’ event will kick off at 8 am on Saturday 3 October, with competitors set the task of completing the 5 km Mount Helena park run circuit every hour, for 32 consecutive hours.

While some participants will run the event’s full 160 km (100 miles) solo, entrants can also join a relay team or even sign up to run or walk a single lap of the course.

Mount Helena Primary School principal and event organiser, Claire Slater, is looking forward to seeing students, staff and the wider community challenge themselves while helping to raise funds for charity partner Roar Inc.

“The concept grew from a desire to create a community event that combined physical challenge, wellbeing and resilience,” Mrs Slater said.

“But the event is much more than an endurance challenge.

“It's an opportunity for students, staff and families to experience the power of teamwork, perseverance and community spirit firsthand.

“As we are fundraising for Roar Inc, it reinforces the important message that when communities come together, they can make a lasting and positive difference in the lives of others.”

Roar Inc provides school programs that promote resilience, courage and connection, and highlight the importance of supporting others.

“Through their work, Roar Inc helps individuals and families navigate challenges and build the skills and confidence needed to thrive,” Mrs Slater said.

“The ‘Mounties Miler’ is ultimately about demonstrating that ordinary people can achieve extraordinary things when they work together, persevere through challenges and support those around them.

“That message sits at the heart of both Roar Inc. and Mount Helena Primary School.”

Mrs Slater is aiming to run the full 160 km and said anticipation was building as the event drew nearer.

“It will certainly be challenging, but that's part of the reason I'm doing it,” she said.

“Some students have been discussing dressing up and being involved in running laps with me.

“I hope to demonstrate to our students that big goals can be achieved when they are broken into manageable steps and approached with determination.

“My goal is to show our students that even in the difficult moments, perseverance, resilience and a positive mindset help us push through challenges.

“That will make every kilometre worthwhile.”

More information about the Mounties Miler can be found on the Roar Inc. website.