AN EPIC test of physical and mental stamina along muddy trails and over man made obstacles is not something you would expect to see beauty queen taking part in.
But just days after competing in the Miss England finals in Torquay, Karla Fitzpatrick – the current Miss Coventry – is ready to put to bed any stereotypes.
Crowned Miss Coventry back in March, the 20-year-old from Ash Green was one of 60 girls aiming to win the prestigious national title.
But now her attentions to turn to the first ever Hero Run event on June 28 at the Heart Country Park where she will compete with her dad to raise as much money as possible for The Butterfly Group and Cancer Research.
“It’s certainly going to be different to anything else I’ve done before.” Karla, told the Observer.
“I’ve taken part in a couple of military camps and done the Walk of Warwickshire but nothing this extreme.
“The Butterfly Group are the only charity to collect funds for people, like myself, who have been affected by immune, auto immune and chronic disorders.
“And Cancer Research is a charity that effects lots of people so hopefully we can raise as much money as possible.”
The Coventry University student, who is studying geography and natural disasters, impressed the judges at the Miss England grand final where she finished in the top 12 in three of the 11 rounds.
The eventual winner of the competition was Miss Cambridgeshire, Carina Tyrrell, who Karla got to spend some time with during her time in Torquay.
She added: “It was an amazing experience for me and it was a really fun couple of days from start to finish.
“The other local girls (Miss Rugby and Miss Mercia) had the same organiser as me so it was nice to share the experience and get to know them.
“I was really pleased to have made it through in the beach beauty round. That meant a lot to me and it was really fun taking part in the photo shoot.”
Over 200 people have signed up to take part in the eagerly anticipated Hero Run on June 28, including 20 members of Coventry’s Red Corner gym in Walsgrave Road.
Among them will be Troy James who currently holds the Midlands Area title and Joe Sheriff who recently turned pro and is scheduled to take part in his first fight at the Bedworth Civic Hall on September 27.
There are still places available online at herorun.co.uk or email [email protected].
Picture by Jon Mullis 24.014.021.cov.jm3
