Written by April Spadina
When firefighter Warren “Wazza” McKean attended his first parkrun session in Maryborough one Saturday in 2017, he had no idea this fun social event would lead him across Australia in a pursuit of physical performance and contented wellbeing. Now, seven years later he has a dozen half marathons under his belt and a vision to complete a full marathon in Melbourne 2025.
A quiet and peaceful man, Warren keeps native bees, potters on his rural property with his dog Bake and is an avid photographer, capturing the landscape of the many places he has visited on his fitness journey. As he approaches his retirement years, he is less focused on the mundane roles as prescribed by society and more intent on rediscovering the things he enjoyed as a child. Picking up a paintbrush and pen and joining the Urban Sketchers group was a way for Warren to embrace art again and enjoy our everyday surroundings, that often get overlooked when we live busy lives and don’t take the time to pause and observe. He believes the secret to happiness is to have something to look forward to, no matter how small.
A not so average weekend for Warren may include a relaxing 70km bike ride from his home in Yengarie along the Rail Trail to Hervey Bay. Throw in competing in the Masters Swimming Competition where he placed second in his age group (mature but able) and a friendly parkrun – often dressed in a bright tutu. Warren is happiest when he is getting in and giving it a go and encourages others to do the same and see where their journey will take them.
Warren challenges himself to be as good as he can be and tries to be better each day. His retirement plans include undertaking a parkrun at all four extreme compass locations in Australian, already marking Tasmania and Darwin off his list with an occasional half marathon to add to the mix.
Warren remains humble, only wanting others to seek happiness in their lives too. In his words he is an “ordinary person” who surrounds himself with extraordinary people to help accomplish his goals.