Photo: Lim Choon Yuen (fifth from the right) with his running group in Malaysia

Choon Yuen was one of 123 Malaysians who travelled more than 6,500 kilometres to participate in Australia’s first International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Road Race Gold Label last year and is now eager to make his return to Australia’s favourite holiday marathon this July.

The 39-year-old fell in love with the Gold Coast Airport Marathon last year when he raced in, not one, but two events including the Southern Cross University 10km Run and the 42.195 kilometre marathon.

He will take on both races again this year.

“It was truly a gold label race. It was very well organised, the atmosphere was electrifying and I have never received so much support and cheers in any other race I’ve experienced,” Choon Yuen said.

“To top it off, running along Surfers Paradise was simply awesome. I’m coming back for more!”

The Selangor local took up running two years ago after he was told he risked the chance of being diagnosed with a condition that is prevalent throughout his family.

“I have been running ever since I had a medical check up which concluded that there was no way I could escape the high cholesterol risk that runs in my family,” Choon Yuen said.

“My cholesterol index has been on high for eight straight years and the doctor advised me to take medication which I have refused for years.

“With a young family, it was time for me to change my lifestyle and keep my cholesterol risk at bay and here I am now training towards my second Gold Coast Airport Marathon.”

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon, which is held in the Australian winter, will provide Choon Yuen with a cool respite from the Malaysian humidity with ideal running conditions to help him achieve a personal best.

“This year, with six months to race day, I’ve started to build a base by running three times a week, averaging 30 kilometres a week for two months,” Choon Yuen said.

“Then it’s hammer time from March onwards, building on mileage and speed.

“I’m aiming for a personal best and I have no second thoughts about that goal. I’m feeling pretty at ease right now and trying not to put too much pressure on myself.

“I’m sure I’ll be very nervous on race day but I know I can count on the support [of the crowd] and do well.”

Not only will Choon Yuen be motivated by the thousands of runners around him and the crowd’s support, but he will be inspired by his close friend who is currently battling an illness.

“Running in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon this year brings a different meaning to our running group as one of our close friends is fighting a bigger battle at home,” Choon Yuen said.

“We’ve realised how fragile life can be and how lucky we are to be able to run.

“We will all be aiming for a good personal best and will dedicate it to our dear friend with the tag line ‘Fight the Tumour’ and hashtag #FTT.”

The 37th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon, an IAAF Road Race Gold Label race, will be held on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.

Entries are now open. Early bird fees finish Thursday 30 April (11:59pm AEST).

Read about our Malaysian Gold Coast Airport Marathon travel packages.

For more information visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au.