By Brendan Rees
One of the things Cristie Wilson loves about running is the freedom it brings, and the distance a person can go.
The Tooradin resident is currently training for a 23km half marathon event in the Great Ocean Road Running Festival on the weekend of the 19-20 May.
“I love running because it’s just me against myself, she says. “I can explore the world we live in, and see places others only dream about. I also love the comradery between people of all ages and abilities.”
She is also the co-founder of a local women’s only running group called Black Cap Runners (BcR) which is designed to encourage and empower other women to seek their personal bests with support from each other.
“We literally started with 3 women…..we now have close to 300 women from all walks of life and abilities. I try to train with other BCR girls as much as possible.”
“I’m running this event with a fellow BcR lady, to show her how amazing and beautiful this area truly is. It will be her second half marathon and her first event here,” she said.
“I live in a very small seaside community, so I generally have to drive to be able to run with someone. There are always people to run with though.”
Asked what motivates her to keep pushing the boundaries, she says “Probably my ego,” she laughs.
“I’ve completed two full marathons, and countless half marathons, so my next major event will hopefully be Oscars Hut2Hut. I love the reasons behind the run, and I love the bush, so it’s a logical progression,” she said.
The Great Ocean Road Running course stretches along the coastal towns from Lorne to Apollo Bay and runners of all distances can soak up some of Australia’s most scenic beaches and breath-taking views during the annual two-day running festival.
Details, visit: www.greatoceanroadrunfest.com.au.
