By Tayla Dillon

Single mother Louise Hill will travel interstate for her debut Gold Coast Airport Marathon this Sunday alongside 28 fellow Fit Happens Personal Training team members.

The 40-year-old from Canberra began running in 2006 to relax from the demands of a busy personal and work life.

“I started running to improve my fitness and lose weight after the birth of my twin daughters and returning to full time work,” Louise said.

“A love for running and desire to achieve personal goals soon took over.

“Over the years running has helped me to de-stress while studying, working full time and caring for my family.”

When Louise’s fitness coach announced a trip to this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon, she seized the opportunity to participate at Australia’s premier marathon event.

“When my coach said he was organising a team, I jumped at the chance,” she said.

“I’ve heard about the event over the years and am looking forward to the flat course and atmosphere.”

Louise said she was looking forward to experiencing the internationally recognised marathon alongside her team mates who will encourage her to achieve a personal best time.

“I first joined the Fit Happens group sessions, which were organised as a part of my workplace’s health and wellbeing program, 10 years ago,” Louise said.

“The company is built around a solid base of training, nutritional advice and personal support for people of all fitness levels and interests.

“It’s been a chance to develop friendships and network in an environment where everyone is supportive and genuinely excited to share personal triumphs.

“Ultimately, I’m after what I think everyone who enters an event is chasing, a personal best. My goal is to finish under 3 hours and 30 minutes.

“I am looking forward to seeing the results of my hard work, and when the event is over, spending time with friends celebrating.”

Entries for the Gold Coast Airport Marathon close Friday 1 July 2016 (8pm QLD).