Marathon a family affair
A GOLD COAST university student will run a massive 52km in the space of 24 hours this weekend when she competes in two races at the Gold Coast Marathon.
Southern Cross University nursing student Sophie Curnow, 29, will be supporting her mother, Wilma, 58, who has recently been diagnosed with onset dementia in the SCU 10km run tomorrow before she endures the full 42km marathon race on Sunday.
Ms Curnow said this will be the first time she will be running 52km in 24 hours.
“In every other year that I’ve run a marathon, Saturday has always been a rest day,” Ms Curnow said.
“Doing the 10km with mum and having such a positive run the day before I think will be a confidence boost. It’ll make me more excited to run the next day.
“My mum is really excited and knows she can do it.”
Ms Curnow’s run on tomorrow isn’t a race against the clock, it’s about making the most of every moment and supporting her mum.
“She took up running more this year because she figured the extra exercise would help with her brain,” Ms Curnow said.
“I’m just looking forward to running with my family and having a good weekend.
“It’s about sharing these moments and having photos together to look back on and say ‘me and mum did this’.
“Even if her health was in perfect condition, I would still have wanted memories of good times.
“My dad will be cheering us on before he runs in the half marathon the next day.”
Ms Curnow hasn’t always been a good long-distance runner. Nine years ago, she was terrified of running, but after giving it a go she said it was life-changing and she now runs at least four times a week.
“Running gives me an instant mood booster. On the days where I don’t feel like going, those are the days where I fight to get out there and it’s honestly when I need it and love it the most.”