In 2021, we are turning running rookies into local legends.
We put the call out to find 6 Launceston locals, with different running and fitness backgrounds, to become our 2021 Running Rookies. Whether they were new to running, wanted to achieve a certain goal, improve their general health and fitness or to completely transform their life, we wanted to hear from them!
We are now proud to announce our 2021 Running Rookies:
- ARCHIE PAYNE
Archie is 12 years old and is a student. He is a keen basketballer and plays in 3 local teams. Archie has some running background, regularly running 5km and participating in park runs. However, Archie wanted to become a Running Rookie to learn some tricks of the trade and improve his 10km run. In the Launceston Running Festival, he hopes to run around the 42 minute mark for the C5 Pro-Solutions 10km.
- KALI HOLLAND
At 37, Kali is an independent consultant with Arbonne and is about to start instructing again as a PT. At the minute, Kali's exercise regime consists of a daily dog walk, pilates and HIIT classes. Kali has chosen to run in the C5 Pro-Solutions 10km event at this year's Launceston Running Festival, with a goal to train hard and achieve an average pace of 6min/km.
- BEN ARKLESS
Ben is 31 and a warehouse supervisor at Fresh Freight Transport. In between a busy work schedule, he plays football and takes his dog on walks and runs. Ben's big picture goal for the Launceston Running Festival is to lose weight and run the entire 21.1km distance in the Think Big Half Marathon.
- HEATHER O'TOOLE
Heather, aged 43, works from home running her own accounting business, as well as caring for two young children. Prior to training with Josh Harris, Heather's exercise regime consists of a PT session once a week, 5-10km walks and had just picked up running in preparation for the Launceston Running Festival. Running in the C5 Pro-Solutions 10km, Heather hope to increase her overall cardio fitness and run the distance non-stop with a 6min/km pace.
- BELINDA SMITH & CRAIG BONDE
Our Running Rookie couple!
Belinda, 47, is a HR/Payroll Officer at a local law firm. She is also a mum of 3 and a Type 1 diabetic. Her current exercise regime is 1 hour of daily exercise, which includes gym classes, yoga and walks. Belinda will be taking on the ZZIM Conveyancing 5km in June and hopes to run the entire distance without stopping to walk.
Craig is 46 and a truck driver, spending long hours sitting. He exercises on the weekends, aiming to walk 5km each day. Craig will be running alongside his wife in the ZZIM Conveyancing 5km and would love to improve his overall fitness and get fit for Winter with his training.
Our 6 lucky Running Rookies receive the following:
- $500 worth of Brooks Running Product
- Free event entry
- 8 week coaching program from Josh Harris at Run2PB
- VIP access on event day
- Special ‘name’ race bib
We wish all our Running Rookies the best of luck. Follow their journey on our Facebook page @TasRunningFestival.
