27,000 runners will take part in the 2017 Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
By Olivia Edwards
Mothers’ Day is an annual celebration of the contribution of our mothers.
For one northern NSW family, one way the kids will be showing their appreciation is going for a run with their mum.
You see, mum Sara Hughes and her kids, Lochie, 17 and Emilie, 16, are preparing for the Southern Cross University 10km Run to be held at the Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Saturday 1 July.
This will be the sixth year that the family from Tintenbar near Ballina have run together in the 10km race at this annual major event.
Living a healthy and active lifestyle is what the Hughes family is all about, training a couple of times a week while managing the family law practice and Lochie’s and Emilie’s schooling in Lismore.
“I started participating in the Southern Cross University 10km Run in 2010 with one of my friends and then Lochie joined us is 2012 and Emilie in 2014,” Sara said.
“My aim is to continue to do the 10km Run to make it to 10 years, so only another three to go and then maybe more.”
Their training schedule is nothing short of impressive, with the whole family working together to improve their fitness and motivate each other.
“Lochie, Emilie and I try and go for a run a couple of times a week in the six weeks leading up to the event,” Sara said.
“We all play soccer for our local club so are fairly fit from training and game time each week.
“We also doing a session once a week with a personal trainer and a Parkrun on Saturdays with Emilie if there isn’t a soccer game.”
Even on Mothers’ Day they won’t rest, with a run and soccer planned and just a bit of time to relax together.
“This weekend we are all signed up for a running event in Ballina – once we’ve finished the run Emilie has soccer at Bangalow so hopefully there’s time for lunch together with the grandmothers.”
Every year the family keeps coming back to the Gold Coast Airport Marathon for the fun and to have an experience together after working so hard to achieve it.
27,000 runners will take part in the 2017 Gold Coast Airport Marathon.
The 39th annual Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July.
Set to attract more than 27,000 participants of all ages and abilities, this year’s race program will feature the Gold Coast Airport Marathon over 42.2km, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, The Star Gold Coast 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.
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