FUN RUN FIT FOR FLASH SUPERHERO
SCALING back the challenge is all in a day’s work for Townsville marathon runner Matthew Hunter, who will run in the Townsville Running Festival’s 2.5km Hero Run with daughter Alex, 5.
The experienced long-distance runner, who is a member of the Townsville Road Runners club, will dress up as The Flash for tomorrow’s run in the hope of encouraging Alex — who will dress up as Wonder Woman — to become an avid runner herself.
“Alex is still a bit young to run competitively, but this is a fun event that we can do together,” Mr Hunter said.
“She’s done one race before; a 1km event along the Great Ocean Road when I was down there for the half marathon and she really loved it.
“I hope that by getting Alex involved in fun events like this while she’s young, she’ll develop a love for running and we’ll be able to continue doing it together — although I think she’s more excited about the dressing up part at the moment.”
The Hero Run has been a popular event at the annual running festival, and features families, social groups and first-time runners dressing up as their favourite characters for a more relaxed running experience.
Townsville Running Festival president Tony Gordon said the hero fun was just as important as the event’s more “competitive” distances.
“We’re determined that the Townsville Running Festival will continue to be a community-minded event,” Mr Gordon said.
“We aim to be a running festival that’s not just for runners and the hero run is a big part of that because it’s a manageable distance for people of all ages and abilities.
“The course covers the 2.5km from Jezzine Barracks to Strand Park and back; and with the beautiful view, lots of smiling faces and plenty of costumes, you’ll hardly even know you’re exercising.”