Gold Coast Primary health workmates say ASICS Marathon weekend is as much about soul as sole

Michelle Everington, Karen Crookston and Jenna Griffiths are about to practise what they preach.

The three Robina-based Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) workmates will line up in various ASICS Gold Coast marathon weekend events on Saturday 6^th July, all with health and fitness front of mind and special goals of their own.

For Michelle, it’s about body and soul.

“I’ve done a lot of other running events, including two full distance marathons, but this will be my sixth Gold Coast Half Marathon and I’m really looking forward to it,” Michelle said.

“For me it’s all about running for my own health and fitness, physically and mentally.

“It’s a fabulous way to destress and be in the moment and get away from technology and enjoy everything about being outside and active.

“And I really enjoy having that goal of my own and not comparing my times and special running moments to those of anyone else.

“I just focus on myself and doing the best that I can, to feel my own sense of accomplishment on the finish line,” she said.

Karen will lace up for her second Southern Cross University 10km, but she says she won’t be running alone.

“It’s a brilliant event; a fun event to run with friends and that’s my main motivation,” she said.

“It also raises a lot of money for plenty of charities each year, which is a big thing in my books.

“I love it and it’s great to get out and about with thousands of other Gold Coasters who feel excited about what we’re doing and why we’re doing it,” she said.

For new mum Jenna, her maiden voyage over the 10km distance came from a gentle nudge.

“I have a friend who was doing the 10km and she suggested I do it with her, and I thought, ‘you know what, why not, I’m going to do this thing’.

“I wanted to see how far I could go and six months of training later I’ve surprised myself at how much I’m loving it what I’ve already achieved.

“After having two babies in two years it’s turned into my own little challenge and I’m really looking forward to getting on the start line next month and being a part of it,” she said.

Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) is an independent, not-for-profit organisation, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Health and Aged Care.

The 44^th ASICS Gold Coast Marathon weekend on 6 and 7 July is on track to record 30,000-plus entrants, with entries still available for the 5km Run and 2km and 4km Junior Dash events.