Marathon: Sharon on the run to Hawaii

Sharon Marshall prepares for her bucket list trip to the Honolulu Marathon.

Now she has turned 50, Sharon Marshall has decided to tick two large items off her bucket list.

Marshall will holiday in Hawaii and run the Honolulu Marathon.
Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but for Marshall it is a challenge she has long yearned for.

Being technically blind, bringing up two children and now juggling extra mural study through Massey University and grandchildren, Marshall did not have time to devote to may other commitments.

"I have often thought about Hawaii as well as one day taking part in a marathon, so when the opportunity came to do both, I took it," Marshall said.

"Although I wasnt sure if I could do it because of health issues, I decided to put my trust in God to help me get there. I'm taking one day at a time and doing my part and God will do the rest. It's also fantastic when whanau and friends support me, which I appreciate very much.

"I thought I may as well give it a go since I've turned 50 - I'm unlikely to get another chance."

Whanganui health care provider Te Oranganui stepped in and assisted with her Inspire Gym membership and some running gear allowing Marshall to begin training.

"This will be my first marathon and growing up I wasn't really into any serious athletics, but I'm determined. I have a son who takes me to the gym and have help from others when I train. Kylie Osborne from Te Oranganui helped organise Inspire Gym membership and Jimmy (Hildreth) from Sport Whanganui (and Wanganui Harriers Club) has been helping me with my running."

Marshall has split her fourth year of social work study to allow for the trip to Hawaii. She flies to Auckland to link up with a Doug Healey-led group also tackling the Honolulu Marathon.

Healey is a well-known fitness programme designer who also led a group to the Great Wall Marathon in June that included Whanganui woman Paula Johnson.

"There is nobody else from Whanganui going that I know of. I fly up to Auckland on December 6 and link in with Doug Healey's group. The marathon is on December 10 and we fly back on December 13," Marshall said.

In between training, study and grand mother duties, Marshall has been busy fundraising for her trip.

"I have done four sausage sizzles at Mitre 10 Mega, sold raffle tickets and I've even sold my two Lazy Boys to raise funds. I've paid $4100 for a holiday package, but I still need money for living costs while I'm over there. I'm not sure what food will cost and I'm unsure about the tipping rules over in Hawaii."

Marshall is open to any generous donations to her cause and has set up Sharon's Progress Page: Hawaii Marathon Dec 2017 on facebook to document her progress https://www.facebook.com/groups/372343413118160/