Sunshine Coast Marathon – Brad’s first marathon – August 20th 2017

Sunshine Coast Marathon – Brad’s first marathon 

By Kate and Brad Atkinson

Sunday 20 August, 2017

Start Time: 6:00am

Start/Finish Line: Alexandra Headlands Surf Club

Minimum age 18

Prize Money: Prize money is equal for male and female (overall finish position) See Prize Money

Entrants Gift: Each entrant receives a 2017 limited edition visor

Finishers Reward: Each finisher receives a commemorative 2017 medal & finishers towel

Age Group Prize: Winners in each category will be awarded with a 1st place Age Group medal and product prize from our sponsors

A member of the Association of International Marathons & Road Races (AIMS), the 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon and Community Running Festival is one of the most-loved running festivals in Australia.  Since its inception the 7 Sunshine Coast Marathon has raised over $1 million for charity and community groups.

Located on the stunning Sunshine Coast, Queensland an hour’s drive north of Brisbane this not-for-profit event has been timed to make the most of the ideal Queensland winter running conditions. Blue skies, low humidity and mild temperatures combined with a flat course always enable fast times. The course record currently stands at 2:18:30 set by Ethiopian, Samuel Woldemanuel in 2015.

Event distances include the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and the 2km. Each road race follows the stunning coastline of Alexandra Headlands with white sandy beaches and spectacular vantage points alongside the ocean. The Half Marathon is a one loop course with Marathon entrants completing a multi loop course (1 x 21km + 2 x 10.5km’s) making the most of the on-course entertainment and crowds of spectators before a red carpet ‘hero’ finish.

With a distance to suit every ability and age group, this community-focused, world-class athletic event caters to all those wanting to take part, including families and those with both physical and intellectual disabilities.

Course Maps

In 2017 the course has changed making it our fastest and most picturesque version to date. This year’s changes include:

*New start and finish area
*Half and marathon races to start at 6am
*More direct course through Cotton Tree
*Extended half and full course along the waterfront of Bradman Avenue to the new turnaround at Fishermans Road, Maroochydore.

Back Story – (by Kate)

Sunshine Coast marathon was/is the Queensland marathon on my bucket list. I have a goal to run a marathon in every state and territory in Australia, and Sunshine Coast was the obvious choice for QLD because we used to live there. My happy place is Kings Beach with the sun setting behind the Glasshouse Mountains. The view is majestic!

In 2017, Sunshine Coast marathon just happened to fall on my birthday! After some discussion with my hubby, we decided to make it a family holiday. My sister-in-law moved to the coast last year, so there was an added bonus of seeing her too. I was so excited!

To make a long story short, about a month before race day, my dog knocked me over. He is a Whippet X Kelpie (with a very hard head)! He did enough damage to cause a significant amount of ongoing pain and impact my training. It was looking like I needed to downgrade to the half marathon. At the same time, Brad upgraded to the full marathon. Brad planned on running his first marathon two months prior but struggled with a calf strain. I offered to pace him on the Sunshine Coast instead.

A new plan was devised… I would run the first 23-24km with Brad (unless pain forced me to stop earlier). That distance was part of another plan (Sydney marathon in September). Brad’s plan was to sit on 5:20-5:30min pace and finish with a sub 4hour marathon!

Brad’s words –

Why did I decide to run a marathon?

I felt like a marathon was something I wanted to do (at some point) and after running Two Bays in January, I believed I was fit enough to run it (I just had to build a bit more tolerance in the body).

How did I feel in the months prior to race day?

I was carrying a few injuries (calves) so I was a little concerned. I strained a calf two-weeks before the marathon I was supposed to run in June (Traralgon). Other than that, I felt OK. I was tired and a little heavy.

How did I feel on race day?

I was nervous but I felt prepared. It was a little cold and windy at the start (early morning). We had to walk 2km to the start line. But I knew it was going to be fine.

How was the first half of the race?

The first half was good. It was better than expected as far as the pace went. I felt controlled but we were running 5:15min kilometres. It was pretty running through Mooloolaba and then down towards Alex Headlands, as the sun was rising. The section towards Maroochydore was flat and easy. We purposefully dropped back a little bit to 5:20min pace to try to save some energy. I felt comfortable. It was great to have Kate’s company and distraction. We had some fun and chatted as we ran along. The long section along the motorway seemed to go forever. I was waiting for people we knew to double back (like Serena and Peter). It was nice to see them. I started to tire after going up the hill the second time. I remember feeling pretty knackered around 22km. I still felt capable and strong enough to last the distance.

How was the second half of the race?

The second half I ran with my sister (Carmen). There was a bit less banter but more carry on (like Carmen randomly singing). I was grateful she could amuse me. I gradually decreased my pace between 22km-36km. It was another out and back loop. The twists and turns in the course were not ideal because it broke rhythm. Although being able to see people again was good. Running back up and down the hill and finishing chute for the second-last time was tiring. I was buggered. Running past family on the sideline was a great help. It was motivating. About 35-36km, I walked through an aid station (I was knackered). When I got going again, I realised how heavy and lethargic my legs were. I plodded on for another 2km until about 37-38km, I cramped in my left hamstring… which sucked! I tried to stretch and walk. I hobbled and managed to get up a slow stride. That split was about 6:30min pace. A kilometre later (with trying to change my stride) my right hamstring went too. After another stretch and more walking (and another 7min kilometre), I pushed on. Then I felt my left calf tightening. Having Kate and my son (Lucas) meet me just before the 41km mark was a happy moment. I felt proud. I had to walk a bit. I managed to run the last kilometre in just under 6min. I finished in 3:51:49. I was tired and sore. But exhilarated with crossing the finish line! Great to have my whole family there to see me finish. 

How did I feel afterwards?

Immediately I felt uncomfortable, I couldn’t sit or move too well! But with some strolling around, it helped out. Next day or two, I was tired and sore from where I’d cramped. I felt like I pulled up reasonably well. I climbed Mt. Coolum a couple of days later.

Would I run it again?

For sure (maybe the half)! I thought the course was very picturesque. It was very flat which I was thankful for. It was a little twisty in some places. The weather was good, probably got a little hot towards the end and the wind seemed to be in my face no matter which way I turned. There were lots of people around especially at the finish. I think they did well with what they had; the parking was limited. But it was a nice, flat and fast course.