Barrie Kernaghan says diabetes hasn’t kept him from living a full and active life.
Camera IconBarrie Kernaghan says diabetes hasn’t kept him from living a full and active life. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Beating diabetes a great reason for Barrie to stay active

Belinda CiprianoStirling Times

AT 77 years of age, Karrinyup resident Barrie Kernaghan is showing no signs of slowing down.

The World Masters Athletics Championships gold medallist has recently signed up for the Run for a Reason to raise money for Diabetes WA, where he is an ambassador.

Mr Kernaghan, who was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes six years ago, said after the initial shock of the diagnosis, it had not stopped him from living life to the fullest.

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“I haven’t let diabetes affect me one bit as I’ve made sure to keep a sensible diet and do plenty of exercise, and I would encourage others to do the same,” he said.

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Plenty of exercise for Mr Kernaghan means running and winning gold for Australia in the 100m and 200m at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Perth last year, and an award for sprinting in 2015.

He said his love of running had been with him since the age of 18 and with a drive to continue to win, he plans to take part in more competitions.

“I certainly never thought I would still be competing at world level at this age, but it’s been a great way to keep active, travel the world and make plenty of friends along the way,” he said.

“I enjoy sprinting the most as it is explosive, bursting out of the blocks, and I race as training, so I compete in sprint events and relays every Tuesday and Friday night.”

Mr Kernaghan will take part in the 70-80 year old age bracket of the Run for a Reason on Sunday, May 28.

To sign up visit www.hbfrun.com.au.