Townsville mother of three Ali Bowen will line up alongside thousands of others and run her debut marathon at this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon, to be held 2 – 3 July, in an effort to curb her lifelong battle with depression and anxiety.

The 33-year-old’s passion for running began three years ago when she committed to running everyday for 12 months with the goal to lose weight and improve her mental health.

“My husband encouraged me to take up running. I was hesitant at first. I had never been a runner and would get tired just playing in the backyard with my little boys,” Ali said.

“I made a pact with myself that I would run everyday for 12 months. I kept this promise to myself all bar one day when I had hurt my foot and needed to rest it.

“I would get up at 4:30am every morning and run five kilometres around the streets in my suburb.

“It wasn’t fast to start with, but over time I was able to run five kilometres in 25 minutes. I lost 40 kilograms in six months – which I was really excited about.”

The significant weight loss led to a positive frame of mind and soon enough Ali was racing in charity fun runs on a regular basis, participating in her local parkrun every Saturday and even joined a triathlon club.

After completing her first half marathon in Townsville last year in 2hrs and 1min, Ali’s next challenge was to double the distance and run the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

“My best friend and fellow parkrunner told me about the Gold Coast Airport Marathon recently and I’ve been excited about it ever since,” Ali said.

“I have done a few 30 kilometre runs but never a marathon, so I’m really thrilled that I will have the chance to cross this off my bucket list.”

Not only does Ali want to complete the marathon for her own sense of achievement, she wants to provide hope to other men and women who suffer from depression or anxiety.

“I love the feeling I have after my run. I feel on top of the world. It’s my ‘me’ time. It’s a chance for me to just be me. Not Mum, wife or shop assistant, just Ali,” Ali said.

“I want to do this run for everyone who is or has ever suffered from anxiety or depression. My message to everyone is ‘HOPE’ which stands for Hold On, Pain Ends. Running has done this for me.

“Running has changed my life for the better and I want to inspire others and make them see that you can follow your dreams if you just believe in yourself.”

Ali is the winner of our Run For Your Life Magazine ‘Share Your Story’ competition. She has won two VIP tickets to the Garmin Legends Lunch sitting at the table with four-time winner Pat Carroll, one pair of ASICS shoes, one R4YL cap, one Gold Coast Airport Marathon training shirt and follow up photos and results in the R4YL post event edition (August/September).

Early bird entries for the 2016 Gold Coast Airport Marathon finish Thursday 28 April (11:59pm AEST).