Bucket list run by mum

GOLD Coast mum Nikki Evans has made her New Year’s resolution – and now she has six months to prepare for it.

The 30-year-old mother-of-two hopes to achieve a dream by taking on the 2020 Gold Coast Marathon alongside thousands of other runners.

She said it was deciding she was “done having kids” that spurred her into finally signing up.

“It’s always been a goal of mine, always one of those bucket list items,” she said.

“This year I decided now I’m finished having babies, it’s the year I’m going to make it happen for myself.

“I’ve done three half-marathons and a 30km run before but I’ve never done the full marathon.

“I’m really excited to challenge myself and see what I can achieve.”

The Benowa local is already in training with a running coach to make sure she is in top shape.

The marathon program will be run over the weekend of July 4-5.

Her children, aged four and one, will be cheering from the roadside.

There is extra incentive for the professional marathon runners this year.

A big boost in prizemoney is expected, along with an extra incentive of an as yet undisclosed pot of gold for breaking records.

Marathon organisers earlier this month predicted a spike in numbers, with Events Management Queensland CEO Cam Hart saying there was “significant interest” so far.

“(There is) a 2 per cent increase in entries compared to the same period last year,” he said.

“The new year is a popular time for people to set goals and commit to new challenges for the year ahead.’’

Village Roadshow Theme Parks has also come on board as the naming rights sponsor in a three-year agreement.

Visit goldcoast marathon.com.au/ enter for information about tickets and how to enter.

IT’S ALWAYS BEEN A GOAL OF MINE, ONE OF THOSE BUCKET LIST ITEMS I WANTED TO TICK OFF

NIKKI EVANS