Whether you’re pursuing a personal best time, making your debut or running your seventh marathon, you’re likely to experience nerves, self-doubt and restlessness related to your run at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon.

Ask any runner and they’ll admit to experiencing one or a number of these feelings prior to a race. It’s completely normal. Leading up to your race it’s important to convert any negative energy into relaxing, reassuring yourself and enjoying the final day of your preparation.

The Garmin Legends Lunch, held as part of the Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Saturday 2 July, is an ideal environment to do this.

Held at Jupiters Hotel & Casino in Broadbeach, the Gamin Legends Lunch will prepare you and hundreds of other runners with motivational, educational and entertaining presentations from Australian running royalty over a runner-specific buffet lunch.

Not only will you have the opportunity to ask former marathon world record-holder Robert de Castella, four-time Olympian Steve Moneghetti, Australian half-marathon all comers record holder Pat Carroll and Australia’s fastest female marathoner Benita Willis your last-minute race questions, but you may also receive advice from elite athletes, coaches, celebrities and ‘everyday’ runners.

Garmin Legends Lunch attendee, Matthew Shirvington, ran his debut marathon at last year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon and said the lunch eased his nerves.

“I believe if you are a first timer, the lunch is essential,” Matthew said.

“Sitting there with other like-minded runners and speaking to them about their journey, I quickly understood that I wasn’t the only one with trepidations.

“The number one piece of advice I took from the experience was not to let the doubt you’re feeling to take over. It’s going to hurt. Everyone hurts. I remember very well, at about the 32km mark, I reflected on that advice.

“You eat some awesome food while being motivated, reassured and inspired. You also mix with the ‘everyday runner’ and hear their stories as well. That alone is very motivating.”

Queenslander Vickie Spencer also attended last year’s Garmin Legends Lunch in preparation for her first marathon attempt, which she completed the next day, and echoed Matthew’s praise for the event.

“It was completely worth the money I paid. It was so inspiring listening to everyone and there was great food,” Vicki said.

“Steve Moneghetti spoke and he was so gracious. He was speaking to us like we were all equals.”

Gold Coast Airport Marathon ambassador and four-time winner Pat Carroll will be one of the guest speakers at this year’s lunch providing valuable guidance to runners aiming to achieve a personal goal.

“The Garmin Legends Lunch is a great opportunity for all runners to soak up last-minute tips, listen to stirring stories of running triumphs from legends and remove any feelings of uncertainty and self-doubt,” Pat said.

“Not only do runners benefit mentally, but their physical preparation will be boosted with a buffet lunch menu specifically designed for runners by world-class Jupiters Hotel & Casino chefs.

“One of my favourite parts of the occasion is meeting runners, taking selfies, signing autographs, answering questions and providing final words of encouragement. It’s a lot of fun mingling with them, their friends, family and teammates.”

Courtesy of the function’s naming-rights sponsor, Garmin, all lunch attendees will go in the draw to win one of six Garmin GPS watches.

2016 Garmin Legends Lunch