Runners enjoy a beautiful sunrise during the 2015 ASICS Half Marathon

By Tayla Dillon

Gold Coast local Kathrine Davies is determined to keep her father’s memory alive when she competes in the ASICS Half Marathon this Sunday.

The prestigious event holds a special place in the 50-year-old’s heart, being the only marathon event Kathrine and her father Gerry participated in together back in 2009.

“It was wonderful to run alongside my father. He was recovering from a stroke, he wanted to run and I wanted to be with him. Dad and I stayed together the whole way,” she said.

“The Gold Coast Airport Marathon was a real event for him because apart from enjoying the runs, it was also a time to catch up with local friends, team members from his running club and friends and family from interstate who were also participating in the event.”

Gerry’s passion for running was infectious and became a family affair, with Kathrine catching the running bug at an early age.

“I have been running most of my life, since I first started with Little Athletics,” Kathrine said.

“Running has always been part of our family life especially as my father was an ultra distance athlete, running 146 marathons right up until his last one on his 80^th birthday, as well as 100 km runs and seven day events. It was inevitable that I would end up running.”

Kathrine has been busy preparing for this year’s event on the beautiful Gold Coast and is excited to compete close to home.

“I have run in the event a number of times across a range of distances from the 10km to the marathon,” Kathrine said.

“I love the fact that it is so close to home and on a flat course. The spectators are so friendly and encouraging and the weather is always lovely.

“I am aiming to achieve a time under two hours, the closer to 1hr and 50minutes, the better.”

Her final advice for fellow runners is simple – enjoy the moment.

“Enjoy the moment and try and smile as much as you can,” Kathrine said.

“I try and choose three words to help me through when it gets tough. For me, I like – strong, happy and capable. I repeat these over and over and it helps me believe in myself.

“I also know my father will be with me during the run, cheering me on and helping me through.”

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