September 14, 2012
Exactly six years ago today, an amazing thing happened … a group of Kingaroy women got together and started running!
It was the result of an idea by Kingaroy resident Colleen Gunn who thought she’d like to help women take up the sport for exercise.
And so the Go Getta Girls started.
The informal group is now a very organised not-for-profit incorporated association which is very active in the South Burnett – you’ve probably seen them out and about in their pink uniforms at fundraisers such as yesterday’s RU OK Day.
More than 500 women have passed through the club over the years but two of the original members are still going strong: Donna Clark and Colleen Gunn.
But the Go Getta Girls is about more than just running. As the club’s website says, its “committment is to continue to empower women to be the best they can be by promoting an active and healthy lifestyle”.
Publicity officer Vicki Ramke said the club is unique and has progressed step-by-step in line with its members’ needs.
“Whether a woman joins to get serious about her health and running or simply joins to be among others while doing ‘a bit of exercise’, members find their needs met and respected,” she said.
“We provide a safe environment for women to exercise regularly with amazingly supportive and inspiring company of other women.”
Go Getta Girls is supported by five qualified athletic coaches and two personal trainers.
Vicki has put forward 10 interesting facts you may not know about Go Getta Girls:
1. The very first advertisement for interest was open to men and women. Only women came along so it progressed to a women’s running club.
2. The oldest member is in her 70s. She only took up running at age 55!
3. There are eight marathoners within the club. All have done their first since joining the club.
4. Go Getta Girl members have met both Robert de Castella and Steve Moneghetti.
5. Club members traditionally finish the Warwick Pentath Run wearing tutus. (“It reminds us all to have some fun and not to take ourselves too seriously”, says Vicki)
6. Within six months of joining the club, most new members can run 5km comfortably
7. 60 per cent of members in their first year train and participate in a 10km event somewhere in SE Queensland
8. It doesn’t matter how fast or far a member runs, what the club admires is consistent regular attendance
9. Go Getta Girls successfully held a nationally organised fun run this year, the Mother’s Day Classic, raising funds for Breast Cancer Research
10. Two Go Getta Girls have received Australia Day Awards.
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