I can’t wait to pig out on greasy food at end

fried chicken and other greasy treats are what some of the Gold Coast Marathon’s most elite entrants are hoping to chow down on after the race tomorrow.

Following months of sticking to healthy portion sizes and gruelling training regimes, Australian Gold Coast Marathon entrants Milly Clark, 30, and Liam Adams, 32, both have have high hopes for a top placing finish in the event tomorrow.

But just as much they are are looking forward to a hearty meal and some rest and relaxation.

Ms Clark from Tasmania will be running in her first full marathon, after competing in the 10km and half marathon on seven occasions at the Gold Coast.

This year, she said she had been a lot more strict on herself and has upped the ante with her diet.

“It’s predominantly carbs. I try to stick to things that are safe like rice and potatoes ... a lot of carbs,” she said.

“I try to avoid meat too because I’m paranoid of undercooked meat. So just keep it very basic. A lot of rice.

“Three days before the race I usually take away the protein and replace it with rice. By Saturday I’m like ‘Oh my god’.

“I’m looking forward to (hot) pot. I don’t know where I’m going to find it but I will have to get one here.”

Mr Adams from Melbourne said he didn’t stick to a strict diet but he did a lot of high-intensity exercise.

“I run anywhere from between 180km to 200km a week, typically train for 14 to 16 hours every week,” he said.

“I kind of just eat whatever I want. I don’t follow strict diets. I’m looking forward to (eating) a big greasy burger after the race though.”

Japan’s Yuki Kawauchi, who produced one of the closest finishes to three-time winner Kenneth Mungara of Kenya last year, is hoping to tuck into some calorie-fuelled goodness.

“I want to eat KFC food and be with my wife,” he said.

While one of Japan’s top 10 elite women Yukiko Akaba said if she won she planned on eating a “big cake”.

Ms Clark’s family and friends have flown over from Tasmania to cheer her on.

She’s hoping their encouragement will get her over the finish line in less than two hours and 30 minutes.

“My coach hired a bike last year and he would just pop up every now and then and would be like ‘hello! keep going, keep going...’,” she said.

“That was fun. I think my mum is planning on hiring a bike or something and doing the same thing.”

More than 28,000 people from 54 countries are entered to compete across eight events – the full and half marathons, a 10km, 5km fun run and junior “dashes” in what is the 41st Gold Coast Marathon.

More than 60,000 participants and spectators are set to be here for the annual event which is estimated to bring more than $28.9 million to the city’s economy.

Last year the Gold Coast Marathon was telecast in 100 countries with an estimated reach of up to one billion households.

I TRY TO STICK TO THINGS THAT ARE SAFE LIKE RICE AND POTATOES – A LOT OF CARBS ... JUST KEEP IT VERY BASIC

MILLY CLARK (PICTURED RIGHT)