St George to George St – PhD student puts passion for accessible exercise into practice

PhD student Renae Earle will be putting her passion for the pavement into practice when she takes on the Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane 4.5km for the very first time next month.

It’s a challenge that she says has given her a goal to work towards, and has helped her understand more about how having easy access to exercise, particularly outdoors, can help a person get moving. 

“Bridge to Brisbane has given me a goal that will challenge me, motivate me, and actually get me running,’ said Renae.

Renae has been training for the event in regional Queensland, where she is completing her PhD on adolescent weight management in rural First Nations communities, research that has taken her to St George, Dalby and Dirranbandi.

Renae believes running and walking are such uniquely powerful exercises because of how universally accessible they are. 

“In remote communities, where there aren’t facilities like gyms or fitness centres, or when you’re just beginning your fitness journey, it’s easy to start running or walking,” she said.

“It’s also a great way to get out in the community and explore new places. Like running along the river in St George – it’s a good way to get to know the people, the faces and all the beautiful parts of our state.”

Renae will be joining over 20,000 other runners and walkers at this year’s Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane, and encourages anyone out there thinking about registering to sign up and get involved. 

“Having a goal event to work towards is a great motivator, and if you are able to take part with family and friends, a great way to be social and healthy at the same time” said Renae.

As a proud sponsor of the Bridge to Brisbane, Health and Wellbeing Queensland is giving first-time runners a lot of love at this year’s event. Know a first-time runner participating in this year’s Sunday Mail Transurban Brisbane to Brisbane? Head to the Health and Wellbeing Queensland Facebook page to share a message of encouragement and support!