Mirsad Sirucic is the only active runner from Srebrenica who took part in many half marathons and humanitarian races across the country, Anadolu Agency reported on Sunday, adding that he has been running actively for the past two years.
My family and I returned to Srebrenica 17 years ago. I got married two and a half years ago and a month ago I got a beautiful daughter. I started running ever since I returned to Srebrenica, purely recreationally. My training and participation in half marathons and competitions began to intensify some two years ago,” Sirucic said. “Two years ago I took part in the ‘tribalion’ race with a friend of mine. It's a 21-kilometre race with over 30 military obstacles. I achieved a good result there. That's when I started intensifying my running. Now I'm running all the time. I took part in many half marathons and humanitarian races, like the ones in Tuzla, Banovici, Rama, Sarajevo and elsewhere.”
He trains every day, and his plan is to run the Tuzla marathon and the one in Croatia's city of Split.
“There are many good runners, but I too made some personal records. My best half marathon result is 1hour and 40 minutes. My plan is to go to Split and run the marathon which will be held in February next year. I also decide to run the Tuzla marathon which will be held by the end of December. It's going to serve as a preparation for the Split race. Every new kilometre I run forces me to run the next one. I think I'll run for as long as I'm alive,” Sirucic noted.
He started running on his own, he said and added that he tries to present Srebrenica in the best possible way, and because of that he always performs in a special T-shirt.
“Equipment is very important. My additional equipment is my T-shirt that says ‘One city, one love, Srebrenica’. Many people when they see this sign applaud me. People are glad that somebody from Srebrenica is participating in competitions,” Sirucic noted.
He added that running is an expensive and demanding sport. He finances his costs but said he would be delighted if someone were to recognise his effort and help him with the expenses.
“I try at least every other day to run a minimum of 15 kilometres. It takes a lot of physical effort, but also mental fitness. I hope that soon my fellow citizens will accompany and support me at one of the marathons or half marathons,” the young runner concluded.
