Stephen Parker in action at the ASICS Half Marathon. Photo: Marathon Photos

By Hayley Payne

Rochedale South local Stephen Parker will become the youngest member of the honorary Half Marathon 30 Year Club at only 44 when he competes in the 39^th Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Sunday 2 July.

Participating in the ASICS Half Marathon since the early age of 14, Stephen credits his sister for inspiring his passion.

“When I was 14 my sister bought me a running magazine which featured the Gold Coast Airport Marathon and I decided to sign up,” Stephen said.

“It was the beginning of a tradition for me, each year I catch up with friends that I only ever see at the race, it’s amazing!”

Being the youngest person to ever join the Half Marathon 30 Year Club is inspiring Stephen to push himself to improve on his personal best of 1 hour 29 minutes and 39 seconds in the 2000 ASICS Half Marathon.

“I would love to achieve a personal best this year as I cross the finish line into the 30 Year Club, it would really be something special to remember,” he said.

Participating in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon each year has also inspired Stephen to help establish a local parkrun at Underwood Park to encourage residents to exercise more.

“When I was 14, I would have never imagined that I would still be running now, running in these marathons is what keeps me feeling young.”

27,000 runners will take part in the 2017 Gold Coast Airport Marathon. Photo: Peter Hamilton

The 39^th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 1 and 2 July.

Set to attract more than 27,00 participants of all ages and abilities, this year’s race program will feature the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, 5.7km Challenge, Zespri 4km Junior Dash and Zespri 2km Junior Dash.

For the fourth year, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon has been awarded an International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Road Race Gold Label.

RUN #GCAM17 WITH STEPHEN