Lilla Run, a charity for eating disorder awareness returns to Milan

 On Sunday, also World Day Against Eating Disorders, a non-competitive 5k took place at Parco Nord Milano at 10am organised by the Fra Me&Te association to raise awareness for eating disorders. The run is not about who is the fastest but about bringing people together to raise awareness about the harm of eating disorders and to promote healthy exercise. 

 The president of the charity Valentina Ungarelli explained “The Lilla Run is not just a race , it's a moment where many different stories come together : those who have suffered, those who are suffering, and those who are close to someone in need and who struggles every day.”

 A large part of Ungarelli’s goal is promoting practicing sport in a healthy way to help heal complicated relationships with the body. “I always reiterate: sport is not the cure, but the cure is a journey that is undertaken with professionals and with therapy. However, sport can be a great ally , it can help you feel alive, to feel part of something and to rediscover a relationship with your body. When you are ill, you are truly unkind to your body. Running together for the same cause is a way of saying that every step really counts .” She was quoted saying to Il Fatto Quotidiano. 

 The organization is seeking to challenge many common misconceptions around eating disorders. Many people believe that eating disorders solely affect young girls and are exclusively about food. Ungarelli continued “We want to create a space where the body isn't judged, but listened to. Initiatives like the Lilla Run are important because they help break the silence , provide information, and remind people that asking for help is possible and essential to overcoming it.”