By Dean Kelly

Eastern Heights local Aaron Maile is training hard to make his children proud as he prepares to take on his debut Southern Cross University 10km Run at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Sunday 4 July.

The 26-year-old Queenslander took up running just six months ago and has already reaped physical and mental benefits of regular exercise through his training.

“I started running six months ago because I weighed 123 kilograms, wasn’t liking myself and wanted to lose weight,” Aaron said.

“Now I want to improve my running technique, continue to lose weight and make my kids proud of me.”

Still a newcomer to the running scene, Aaron’s enthusiasm for the sport can be seen in his training schedule which is allowing him to be in the best shape possible for July’s race.

“I usually do between 25 and 30 kilometres a week on the treadmill and on the road. I also go to the gym four times a week,” he said.

Aaron said he was excited to join thousands of like-minded individuals over race weekend and be a part of Australia’s leading marathon next month.

“You don’t know what you can and can’t do until you try,” he said.

“I am definitely excited about the challenge of racing the Southern Cross University 10km Run, especially as this will be my first big run.

“I have lost 31 kilograms in six months and I am proof running can work.”

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July in one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world in Queensland, Australia.

It is set to attract more than 27,000 participants of all ages and abilities across a number of events including the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and Junior Dash 4km & 2km races.

To enter or for more information visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au