STEPPING UP FOR HILLY TILT
Girls set for marathon challenge
RUNNING: They might not set a race record or hold up a winner’s trophy, but Sally Gersekowski and Amanda Goebel fill an important role when they line-up in tomorrow’s Hilly Half Marathon.
Toowoomba running mates Gersekowski and Goebel will be among a list of competitors having their first tilt at Toowoomba’s annual half-marathon event.
The 2018 Roger Guard Hilly Half Marathon will be run through the city’s eastern streets tomorrow morning on Toowoomba’s gala Carnival of Flowers weekend.
The event caters for both serious and social walkers and runners over distances of 5km, 10km or the 21.1km Hilly Half from Middle Ridge Park at 6.30.
Toowoomba Road Runners’ race organisers welcome new competitors to the event each year with Gersekowski and Goebel fitting that bill as they take up the 21km challenge.
Both run regularly together for health and fitness along with Gersekowski’s German Shepherd Lenny who accompanies them on early-morning jogs.
Gersekowski is no stranger to competition endurance running but tomorrow’s event promises her a new experience.
“I was a swimmer at school but I started running about five years ago when I was living in Brisbane,” Gersekowski said.
“I’ve actually run a full marathon at the Gold Coast and this will be my third official half marathon, but my first in Toowoomba.
“I started out running as a bit of a weight-loss journey to start with.
“I’ve been running for about two years in Toowoomba now and absolutely love it.
“We train about three or four times a week, running up to 16km.
“Lenny runs with us and is a good companion, especially in the dark, early hours but he’ll be sitting out Sunday’s race.
“He does well, but 21km is a little bit too far for him.”
Goebel will be one of tomorrow’s half-marathon beginners but her preparation has been measured and the challenge excites her.
“I was bored with the gym and I took serious running up at the start of the year for fitness and trying to lose a bit of weight,” Goebel said.
“I used to run at school and did some cross-country.
“I did a few park runs last year and loved it and I ran the Peak to Park (10km) this year.
“I haven’t run 21km yet but we did an 181⁄2 km run last weekend so I’ll see how I go Sunday.
“Sally and I will run together and we don’t have a real personal target in mind at this stage.
“It’s really encouraging seeing people up to twice our age running and being so fit.
“I can’t wait now for my eight-year-old son to be able to run with me.”
A 1km dash for children will be held at 9am with entry fee a gold coin donation.