Ross ladies who have found a new spring in their step since joining a stretch and strengthen class will line up for the 5km walk at the Ross Running Festival on Sunday, September 24 under the team name “Fit and Fabulous”.
The event is renowned for its scenic marathon and half marathon, but also includes a 10km, 5km and 2km (children’s challenge) run.
Barb Lovell started the Ross exercise class as a community service three years ago and has around 14 members aged up to 92.
They meet at 9am every Tuesday morning at the Ross Recreation Ground and pump up the Credence Clearwater Revival band and other favourite music from the 50s and 60s with a good beat and according to Barb “don’t even realise how hard they’re working”.
During summer they change it up with aqua aerobics in the Ross pool.
“Some participants couldn’t even get their hand behind their back to tie up their apron, and now they can do whatever they want to – the class has made a big difference to their mobility and flexibility.
“Some of the people walking in the 5km could barely walk 50 metres when they started, and some of them are cancer survivors.”
Barb used to be a qualified fitness instructor and personal trainer and while nearly 70 years young herself, wanted to work with women around her own age to help keep them, and herself, active.
She said she is delighted that nine of her class members have registered for the Ross Running Festival 5km.
“The benefits of exercise are both physical and mental – just being a part of the group promotes longevity through the social connection, after we do our class we all go and take over the back room at Bakery 31 and have some coffee and cake as a reward.”
The Ross Running Festival was postponed from April due to a lack of entries in what had become a congested fun run calendar, however a virtual run was held instead.
This year the event will have a new participant medal design that features the Ross War Memorial.
Registrations are still open, via the link on the Ross Running Festival Facebook page.