She has completed the Canberra Marathon 10km run at least 11 times and ran the City to Surf 25 times.

The only problem is, she doesn't like running.

The 55-year-old confessed that standing at the starting line she often thinks: "Oh my god, what have I done?"

"I don't enjoy running but after the run I get to explore," she said.

Ms Wallington loves everything else about the experience, the fresh air, scenery, and travelling across Australia, but most importantly she loves nature.

And there is one animal in particular who has captured her heart, the kookaburra.

Residing in Eastwood, NSW, the runner is able to travel across Australia to indulge her passion.

If you scroll through her Instagram account the_vegemite_kid you will see a few photographs of her participating in Parkruns or holding medals.

But mostly, you'll see a collection of kookaburra pics.

As a keen amateur photographer, Ms Wallington always has her trusty camera nearby. Birds are naturally her favourite subject.

"Once [the fun run is] over I'm glad I've done it and then I get to wander around," she said,

"It doesn't matter how many times I go to the same place, I can always discover something new and so that's more what the passion is about.

"Kookaburras are placid birds. They will sit there and they're not scared of me. They don't argue with you and they are Australian."

Ms Wallington offered a few words of wisdom for inexperienced runners participating in the 2022 Canberra Marathon Festival.

"Just take in the environment, the atmosphere at the finish line and don't take it too seriously," she said.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: