When Chase was 15 he did his first run, and 18 months later, he is addicted!  In his words "When I was given my first medal after I crossed the finish line, I felt so proud of myself. I felt like I could do anything and that my hard work could and would pay off."

Because I can. It sounds simple, but given that I only discovered it 3 years ago, it still surprises me. I’ve been a ‘swimmer not a runner’ for many years, and eventually learned that running could be fun at about age 48. (I still love swimming and will be doing the Wreck to Reef the day after the run.)

Early in 2016, I was adversely affected by a condition which, amongst other issues, rapidly increased my heart rate - the illness is an autoimmune disease affecting the thyroid called Graves Disease,   My specialist stated that I was the worst case that she had ever seen, and I was advised that I would no longer be able to participate in any sporting activities until the condition was under control. 

Serena Wooldridge got into Half Marathons and Marathons after she was diagnosed with an aggressive grade 2 breast cancer 10 years ago.

The first time I attempted to run was when I was probably around 14/15, I probably made it 800m before I was about to pass out. I never ran again until my 20s. There was no motivation in me to do it.  It wasn't until I hit about 23 that things got full on with life and I actually started experiencing really bad anxiety, to the point where I quit my job and had nothing to do.....

About 20 years ago I was about 100kgs and struggled to run around the oval let alone a half marathon, slowly I got myself reasonably fit but then put on some kilos again and weighed about 85kgs 13 years again. After having our first boy and were pregnant with the second, I thought it was time to start setting a good example to my kids...

A dislocated knee, lower leg fracture and ruptured ACL... 

I will be walking the event next year with my 11 year old son. It will be our first 'run' as we are planning on doing some through the year and beyond as a fitness thing.  My son Scotty has an issue with anxiety especially going to school...

I'd like to share a story, not about myself, but about a special person who's had a positive influence in my life and is the reason why I run today.  Jill, is a runner and also doing the 21k Bellarine run with me next year. Jill is involved in her local community and is a volunteer surf lifesaver at Gunamatta Surf Lifesaving Club. I met her nearly 5 years ago when I was 12kg overweight and struggling with running a retail business. I was doing weight watchers at the time but not seeing any results....

I am hoping to be able to do the fun run on my 3 wheel cycle and use my Electric wheel chair part the way if I get tired. I will have a support worker with me to be able to help me if I get tired or sick, to help swap over from my bike to wheelchair.  I live in Karingal, a supported house, I have support workers.....

My story began in December 2013 when life wasn't so great. From the outside looking in you wouldn't have know it , but inside looking out things where different. I have always had the support of a loving family but beer was fast becoming my best friend....