For Dr Bianca Frost running started as a hobby, then turned into a lifestyle and will now be used to change the lives of students who struggle to complete their studies due to lack of funding.
This year the University of Pretoria lecturer from the department of marketing management in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences will take on the Comrades Marathon to support UP’s missing-middle students.
“I have completed seven comrades marathons, so this will be my eighth. I am always just grateful to be at the starting line, and it's an honour and a privilege to be able to take part in a race like this,” she said.
After spending eight years as the head of one of the university's male residences on campus, Frost said her life revolves around students.
She said it was during this period that she learnt of the painful story of hardworking students who couldn't afford their fees.
“I have seen a lot of difficulties, a lot of struggles, and sometimes you just want to do a little bit more to help, and if this is just one way of giving back, I am happy to do that.
“These students are the future of the country, future leaders, and they are good students who can make a difference one day — if I can just give back once more, it will mean a lot,” she said.
Frost had been a runner for 12 years, which she said was one of the things that kept her going. Being part of the supportive running club, she had completed more than 50 marathons and races, including the Two Oceans Marathon.
“I have done over 50 at this point, possibly more, but Comrades is always the big one and always the ultimate test. Something that keeps you humble,” she said.
I have found that running keeps me humbled and that it has taught me many valuable life lessons. I hope that by empowering these students, they will also be able to pay it forward and give back to their communities one day
— Dr Bianca Frost
She said running this year was prompted mostly by her passion for students and her aspiration to see them do well and succeed in their lives.
“They [students] have so much potential, I would just like to thank the VC and to thank everybody who has donated to the cause thus far, and I hope to make a difference in people's lives. We do appreciate every one of you,” she said.
UP's Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s Scholarship Fund aims to provide financial assistance to students who are classified as being part of the “missing middle” — those whose household income is not enough to independently pay for tertiary education, but who are above the threshold for government financial assistance.
Frost hopes that the funds raised by running in these events will “close the gap”.
A BackaBuddy campaign was set up to allow donors to donate R90 (R1 per km) or more towards her campaign.
She said this year's Comrades Marathon carries more weight for her as she believes education is a powerful enabler, and by supporting students from the missing middle, they are investing not only in their futures but ultimately in the future of the country and society.
“I have found that running keeps me humbled and that it has taught me many valuable life lessons. I hope that by empowering these students, they will also be able to pay it forward and give back to their communities one day.”
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