WHY DO YOU RUN?
It’s the journey, not the destination…
Some run to achieve a life goal...
Some run to suffer so others will not...
Some run to win...
Some run against the clock...
Some run to chase vanity...
Some have run for 35 years...
Some run because they can...
Elite Athletes:
Reuben Kosgei
Growing up in Kenya, 32 year old father of one Mr Kosgei developed a passion for athletics at a young age and began participating in races throughout primary school and high school. Being the second of nine children, Mr Kosgei was an active child, with his father now owning and operating an 8 acre farm.
Upon finishing high school, Mr Kosgei moved onto flat races indoor, before developing a passion for his specialty event, the 3000m steeplechase. In 1999 and again in 2002 he suffered a devastating blow, being halted by an Achilles injury.
The 2000 Sydney Olympics was privileged to see Mr Kosgei win the 3000m steeplechase at a ripe age of 21- the youngest in history. He then followed up this success with a bronze medal at the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Deciding to turn his focus to marathons, he debuted at the Vienna Marathon in 2009. He went on to win the 2009 Sydney Herald City to Surf half marathon and finished third in last year’s Perth City to Surf 42km marathon in a time of 2 hours 19 minutes.
Mr Kosgei will be back for the 2011 Chevron City to Surf for Activ marathon where he will endeavour to beat last year’s time, and finish in his goal time of around 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Alan CraigieAlan Criagie is a 27 year old Canberra based runner, who specialises in 5000m events. Mr Craigie participates in numerous running events and competitions year round including the Weston Creek Cross Country Championships and the Melbourne Track Classic. A recipient of the Laurel Wreath for 2011/2012, Mr Craigie is a valued member of his Canberra running club, and is seen by fellow competitors as one to beat.
Mr Craigie is a regular at the Sydney Herald City to Surf, placing 17th in 2009 and improving drastically to 6th place in 2010 in the 12km event. 2010 was his first Perth City to Surf event, where he took out first place in the 12km event in a time of 36 minutes 56, outclassing Australian cross country champion Ethan Heywood, and proved a success story for the Sam Maxwell Sports Management Team.
Mr Craigie finds his competition lies with fellow runners Courtney Carter and Ethan Heywood, who he will endeavour to once again beat this year. Although there are several other championship events for Mr Craigie in 2011, he sees the Chevron City to Surf for Activ a priority for the 2011 calendar, seeing it as striking a balance between fun and competition. Although it’s good push your boundaries and aim for first place, he believes it’s a good break from work and other pressures in life.
Tyler ByersSuffering from a congenital disability Sacral Agenesis, Tyler Byers began wheelchair racing in 1991 at the University of Arizona where he graduated in 2005 with a major in Engineering Mathematics. He is currently employed at an engineering firm in Alice Springs, where he has been living since 2008 with his wife and new born baby son.
After suffering a wrist injury which required surgery in 2010, Mr Byers is only just returning to competition, which includes this year’s Chevron City to Surf for Activ 4km wheelchair event.
In his courageous career, Mr Byers has been a valued USA Paralympics team member both in 2004 and 2008. He competed in the 800m and marathon events at the Paralympic games in Beijing, China and set the course record in the half marathon at Virginia Beach in 2006.
Mr Byers will be attending the 2011 Chevron City to Surf for Activ 4km wheelchair event where he will endeavour to take out first place, before returning to the USA in November.
Human Interest Profiles:
Karen Hill-Pickering & Kate KnightNurses, Karen Hill-Pickering and Kate Knight both work for the Diabetes Projects Trust in Auckland, New Zealand. The pair work within the community to help prevent diabetes and its complications.
Karen and Kate are both busy women with families, however as health professionals, they still find the time to recommend to people that they become more active. Continuing to challenge themselves with their own fitness goals – which are always increasing, the pair is planning on taking on the New Zealand Ironman in 2012.
Currently in Perth for the Australia ADS & ADEA Diabetes conference, Karen and Kate are taking on the Chevron City to Surf for Activ marathon and fundraising in order to help those affected by the New Zealand Earthquake tragedy.
The ladies are very excited and are looking forward to the event as they believe the map of the route looks wonderful and think there is no better way to explore a new place. We wish them both the best of luck on event day and their future goals.
Beth Taylor35 year old Beth Taylor from Baldivis will participate in the 12km walk this year whilst raising money for the Breast Care Network.
This charity is one close to Beth’s heart as last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After finishing chemotherapy in December 2010, Beth has had a right mastectomy with the left one booked for later this year. Beth will then face reconstructive surgery.
As a strong woman, Beth hopes to inspire people to believe that breast cancer is not a death sentence – it is merely a hurdle to be overcome.
Look out for Beth and her “Breast Buddies” on event day wearing pink t-shirts and hats for their cause.
Richard LowRunning the half marathon in this year’s Chevron City to Surf for Activ is Richard Low.
Starting out as a joke between work colleagues, Richard has decided to make things even more difficult for himself by participating whilst wearing a bear suit.
The suit itself weighs approximately four kilograms and was purchased off eBay. Richard hopes that the awareness generated by wearing the suit will help him raise $10 000 for his chosen charity – Free the Bears, as part of the Activ Charity Challenge.
Richard also hopes to teach people that one person can actually help make a difference in life, it’s just a matter of setting your goals and following through.
Watch out for Richard in his bear suit on event day, and please don’t run off with his head as he promises to return next year.