Leonie Harper had never run before joining Attadale fitness group Y-Striders. She has since become a prolific runner.
Camera IconLeonie Harper had never run before joining Attadale fitness group Y-Striders. She has since become a prolific runner. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Leonie strides ahead thanks to Attadale fitness group

Headshot of Josh Zimmerman
Josh ZimmermanMelville Gazette

LEONIE Harper had never run for exercise before joining Attadale- fitness group Y-Striders in 2000.

She has since completed 99 fun runs, close to 14,000km, raising thousands of dollars for various charities along the way.

“I had just completed an exercise study at UWA, was looking for a walking club and Y-Striders happened to have an open day, so I joined up,” Ms Harper said.

PerthNow Digital Edition.
Your local paper, whenever you want it.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“I had never run and never thought I would ever be a runner, but it just sort of evolved over time really.”

Celebrating its 20th anniversary last month, Y-Striders is a not-for-profit fitness club based at Troy Park catering to walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities.

Secretary and founding member Elizabeth Turton said the club held sessions every day besides Sunday and was looking to build on its membership of around 60.

“We have complete beginners up to marathon runners and there is no distinction between the walkers, joggers and runners,” she said.

For more information, visit ystriders.org.au.

MORE: Mitchell Freeway extension could open Friday morning, says Main Roads

MORE: Perth’s wild weather in pictures as tornado rips through northern suburbs

MORE: Mandurah family lucky after patio roof slices through home in storm