By Kenzi Osborne

Seasoned Keperra runner Paul Broad will tackle his fourth Gold Coast Airport Marathon on Sunday 5 July after sparking a love for the sport six years ago.

Choosing long distance running to support his weight loss journey in preparation for his wedding, Paul unknowingly ignited a life changing passion.

“I started running about six years ago as a way of losing weight before my wedding,” Paul said.

“Once I started, I found that I loved it. Running a marathon changed my life.  It took me from wondering if I could take on a challenge, to knowing that I can.”

After entering his first marathon in 2011, Paul said the overwhelming feeling of finishing still stays with him.

“I started taking it more seriously when I entered my first Gold Coast Airport Marathon,” Paul said.

“My first marathon was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

“It’s the greatest goal I have ever achieved, and I’m immensely proud of it.

“I’ll never forget the feeling of passing our club tent and coming into the finishing area, knowing that I was going to finish.  I still get goose bumps thinking about it.”

Marking his fifth year of competing, Paul admits the journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing.

“I ran the full marathon in 2011, 2012 and 2013,” Paul said.

“In 2014, our daughter was due within weeks of the race, and an interrupted preparation meant that I dropped back to the half marathon.

“While I performed well in the ASICS Half Marathon, there was part of me looking enviously at my mates who had run the full marathon.

“I didn’t want to have that feeling this year.”

Aiming to crack his personal best, Paul commits to a strict training regime to ensure he is in his best shape to compete.

“I train three times a week and do anywhere between 40 and 60 km.  I do one session of speed work, one tempo run, and one long run of around 30km,” Paul said.

“My wife is training for the ASICS Half Marathon, so we have to balance who is training and who is looking after the kids.

“My personal best is 3:51:54, so obviously I’d love to break that.  If I can get under 3:50, I doubt I’ll wipe the smile off my face.”

Running for pure gratification is not the only drive behind Paul’s entry this year with a charity close to his heart proving a strong motivator.

“I am running for Water Aid, a charity that helps to transform the lives of the poorest and most marginalised people by improving access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene,” Paul said.

“I work for an engineering consultancy that specialises in water engineering, so it’s a cause close to home for me.”

Despite accumulating an impressive list of running feats, he admits that this year’s Gold Coast Airport Marathon has him very nervous but excited.

“I’ve done 11 half marathons, four full marathons, a 500km team relay through the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley and a few other distances,” Paul said.

“When I entered this year’s event, I got very, very nervous. That said I’m really excited about getting to the start line, and having a great day out.”

The Gold Coast Airport Marathon will be held on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 July in one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world in Queensland, Australia.

It is set to attract more than 27,000 participants of all ages and abilities across a number of events including the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, Wheelchair Marathon, ASICS Half Marathon, Wheelchair 15km, Southern Cross University 10km Run, Suncorp Bank 5.7km Challenge and Junior Dash 4km & 2km races.

To enter or for more information visit goldcoastmarathon.com.au