Vanessa Bush has never been that interested in what times she runs.
Completing her first event in her late 20s, the Sydney to Surf, it was there Ms Bush's love of running blossomed.
“It wasn't the running though, it was more the event and the community spirit with it that got me more involved in running,” Ms Bush said.
“From there I attempted the half marathon in Sydney, and my first marathon was on the Gold Coast.
“That was an amazing event because of the people.
“I've never been interested in the time; getting to the starting line for me is an achievement in itself.”
Ms Bush's next goal, however, is a big one — to complete an ultra marathon later this year.
“In my 50th year, which was last year, I wanted to complete a 50km event as a milestone,” she said.
“Unfortunately that was cancelled due to COVID-19 but I'm trying to make sure I keep that goal alive.”
But before that incredible feat, Ms Bush will tackle something closer to home: the 10km run at Johnno's Run on September 5.
It's the first year Ms Bush will participate in the run after it was shifted from a Melbourne-based run to a community event in Echuca-Moama itself.
Johnno's Run has always been on Ms Bush's radar.
But after learning more about the work Community Living and Respite Services does for its Opening Doors project through the event has inspired Ms Bush to hit the pavement for a good cause.
“A number of my colleagues at Moama Grammar have been involved for as long as I've been here,” Ms Bush said.
“For me, having it in Echuca and Moama is actually a drawcard.
“To get to Melbourne, I have four children and sometimes it's a process to attend some of these events.”
Johnno's Run also offers Ms Bush a chance to further introduce her children to one of her passions.
“Two of my four kids, Marco and Matthew, are keen to do the 5km event,” she said.
“They've done cross countries at school, but I think once they get started, they'd get hooked.
“I know when I ran my first community event, it really was a surprise to me how much positivity there was.
“I want my children to see what a small contribution they can make by registering and participating, and it might inspire them to have more involvement in community events.”
Ms Bush will line up for the 10km run at next month's event, though she encouraged anyone and everyone to get involved in the good cause.
“I find running is an individual thing, so the opportunity to come together with other people, that common and shared goal to raise awareness and support for a really important community cause, is the icing on the cake for me as a runner,” she said.
“But it's not really about the people who run — you can get there and walk — it's just going to be a wonderful experience.”
● To register for this year’s Johnno’s Run, head to or to set up a JustGiving fundraising page, head to https://clrs.org.au/johnnosrunwww.justgiving.com/campaign/johnnosrun2021