Dust down your joggers

Christelle Vickers

Hamilton mother of two, Christelle Vickers is braving cold mornings to train for the Hamilton Half Marathon again.

The 39-year-old said she got into running four years ago when her youngest boy turned one, and hasn't stopped since.

"This is my fourth time doing the Hamilton Half Marathon. I did the Rotorua Marathon, my first marathon, in May. And I've done another two half marathons on top of that," she said. "It's all about training."

NZ Community Trust Hamilton Half Marathon event director Lyn Harris said 'Training runs from the park' was set up last year for people participating in the half marathon, 10km or 5km events to offer training advice, company and motivation for participants.

The sessions are free to anyone who has entered any of the events and operate from Flagstaff Park each Sunday at 8.30am. Alternatively, the charge is $5 a training session, which goes toward registration for the event.

"Last year they had the training runs at the park and it was the first time it had been done, so I went along. I thought it would be good to run with people because running's a solo sport and it can get a bit lonely.

"It's quite good having other people there. You get to meet people, and chat to people and learn about others and what motivates them. You're with like-minded people I suppose."

Running is in Christelle's blood.

Her dad and sister regularly compete in the Hamilton Half Marathon and the Rotorua Marathon and she said it was only a matter of time before she was hooked.

"I sort of did it on and off, but after we had the kids and we knew that our youngest was going to be the last one I kind of think it becomes more about doing something for you. After I did the training runs last year I became a bit more serious about it. I thought, yep, I really think I can do this [Rotorua] Marathon. It's healing. It's time out for yourself," she said.

"Some people go and get their nails done, I go out and run. It just makes me feel mentally and physically better, and it's an example for the kids.

"It's so important these days that kids get out there and use their feet, instead of being inside all the time."

The Hamilton Half Marathon will take place on Sunday, October 5 and also includes 10km run and walk, a 5km fun run and walk and a kid's commando challenge.

All events start and finish at Flagstaff Park and there is $8000 in prize money and $15,000 in spot prizes up for grabs.

For more information and to register for the event online visit www.hamiltonhalfmarathon.org.nz or phone 0800 426-425.