THE chance to enjoy a morning walk together, while being part of a larger community event focused on keeping people active, was too good to pass up for Wangaratta couple Susan and John Cuthbert.
Susan and John have signed up to take part in the 5km distance in the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run 2023, when it‘s staged on March 19 from the Wangaratta Showgrounds.
"I did the 5km pre–COVID, and I enjoyed it, so this time we‘re walking together," Susan said.
"I usually do Parkrun every Saturday morning, walking the 5km course. I had thought it was just for runners, but was told you could walk it, and I‘ve really loved that.
"It attracts large groups of people on a Saturday, and a lot of them are training for the marathon."
When people remark on her name, Susan jokes that she tells people she‘s "like Betty, but not as fast".
"Like Parkrun, this event is not stressful at all; you can go at your own pace, so there‘s no need to walk fast," she said.
Susan loves the community aspect of the marathon and fun run, and seeing so many people getting enthusiastic about keeping active and fit.
"Other family members have done it in the past too, so it‘s a great way to bring people of all ages out for an event like this, particularly older people.
"I fit into that demographic now, and I think it‘s so important to keep moving and stay busy. You‘ve got to do it for your mental health, as much as your physical health.
"And for the young ones, it‘s good to see them out enjoying being active.
"I‘d encourage others to take part – it‘s a wonderful course along the river."
The Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run includes several different options for athletes, from the marathon (42.2km) and half–marathon (21.1km) – the latter of which welcomes walkers – to the Wangaratta Engineering 10km walk/run, the Wangaratta–Benalla Motor Group 5km walk/run, and the RJ Sanderson 2km primary school challenge walk/run.
For more information about the Wangaratta Marathon and Fun Run, including details on how to enter, visit https://wangarattamarathon.com.au