While pupils at Iramoo Primary School are counting down to the school holidays, grade 4 teacher Gemma Kenessy is preparing to run up Tuscany’s Apuan Alps.
Ms Kenessy was one of four women selected to represent Australia at the world mountain running championships.
She will race 7.5 kilometres up the alps on Sunday, September 14.
Ms Kenessy was selected to compete in the championships after a friend suggested she enter the Australian version in Canberra in May.
“I’ve always been a long-distance runner, but I had never run up a mountain,” she says. “It takes a lot of strength.”
Ms Kenessy has been training for the Tuscan event six days a week, covering between 80 and 100 kilometres.
She’s also made regular trips to the You Yangs.
“At first, running up a hill was difficult, but I’m definitely used to it now. I’ve trained my body to get used to it.”
Iramoo pupils will hold lunchtime discos today and tomorrow to help Ms Kenessy raise money for her trip.
“The school has helped me so much and given me lots of support,’’ Ms Kenessy said.
‘‘I’m lucky to be part of such a large school community.”
