8:30 a.m. — it’s an early start this October 2, 2016. The Samilia Foundation isn’t used to seeing so much activity in its offices on a Sunday morning. But today is special. Young and old alike arrive right on time, sneakers on their feet and smiles on their faces. It’s a big day. After a few weeks of training, the Samilia Team is ready to hit the streets of the capital for the Belfius Marathon & Half Marathon.

We put on our “The Anti-Human Trafficking Team” T-shirts in the Foundation’s colors. Bib numbers are pinned on. The race starts at the Cinquantenaire and finishes at the Bourse. Volunteers Patrik, Sylvie, Kamany, and Camille carry the athletes’ bags to the finish line. Stan snaps a few photos. The Samilia runners look great — motivated, proud, and full of energy.

At the starting line, the atmosphere is electric. Everyone warms up by dancing — it’s way more fun that way. The morning smiles haven’t faded. They’re ready, just waiting for the starting gun. And then they’re off, all moving as one. Rafael, Nicolas D., Martin, Eve-Marie, Zoé, Nathan, Cédric, Sophie, Camille, Céline, Claire, Jean-Jacques, Leila, Nicolas S., and Dauphine all cover the 5 km between the Cinquantenaire and Place de la Bourse. Victor, meanwhile, takes on the solo challenge of a 20 km race.

We’ll never find the right words to thank and congratulate you — for your courage, runners; for your generosity, donors; and for your kindness, volunteers. None of this would have been possible without you, your smiles, and your motivation. The €1,600 raised by the participants will be invested in the “Social Enterprise” project in Romania. On behalf of all former victims of exploitation who will benefit from this project, THANK YOU.

On October 22, part of the team will be running in the Canal Run. If you’d like to put your T-shirts back on, don’t hesitate to join us.

But the real challenge lies ahead. On May 28, 2017, Samilia will take on the 20 km of Brussels. Want to be part of our team? Join us by sending an email to event(at)samilia.org.