Known as the “four girls who run”, Leah, Stacey, Katrina and Paula are ready to hit the ground running in the Ipswich Hospital Foundation’s 14th Annual Park2Park event on Sunday, July 29.
Leah Sargent, Stacey Snowden, Katrina Catterall and Paula O’Brien all met through the Park Run in Ipswich and share a passion for running, having a chat and most importantly, a post-run breakfast.
“We do running group together with the Ipswich Hospital Foundation,” Ms Snowden said.
“However we aren’t competitive – we run for medals and we run for breakfast.
“We’ll never be on the podium, but we certainly don’t care.”
From competing in several runs together to weekly running training, the women have formed a special friendship that encourages one another to be the best version of themselves. More often than not, you’ll hear these women chatting before they run past – that is, after they stop to do a silly pose for the on-field photographer. As non-competitive runners who love to have a laugh as they exercise, they’re urging other women in the Ipswich community to not only give the Park2Park a go, but to try their hand at any type of running activity – no matter their age or fitness level.
“We love the people we meet, so the social aspect is great in running and I find it quite relaxing,” Ms Sargent said.
“The fact that you can exercise while stress-relieving and clearing your head is an extra bonus.
“You do feel better after you run and like you’ve achieved something.”
The four girls who run will be volunteering on the day, as well as competing in the City of Ipswich Half Marathon Relay and will finish the day by participating in the Ipswich Hospital Foundation 5km run. They’ve also enlisted friends, family and colleagues to either run, walk and even dance their way to the finish line to raise vital funds for the Ipswich Hospital Foundation.
Tasked with supporting the interests of West Moreton Health, the Ipswich Hospital Foundation uses funds raised from entry fees and donations from Park 2 Park to both support West Moreton Health and assist Ipswich in becoming the healthiest community in Australia.
There’s still plenty of time to walk or run at this year’s Park2Park, with plenty of different categories to suit your level of fitness.
Visit www.park2park.com.au, grab your mates and register today!
