Family is full of go, go, go

THOUSANDS of competitors will put on their shoes and head to Brisbane for the Brisbane Running Festival and among the entrants are Warwick's Vickers family.

Selena and Neil Vickers and their children Gemma, Larissa and Liam after the 2011 Brisbane Running Festival. Picture: Contributed

THOUSANDS of competitors will put on their shoes and head to Brisbane next month for the Brisbane Running Festival and among the entrants are the Vickers family from Warwick.

Selena Vickers, her husband Neil and their three children competed in the event last year as well.

"We are taking part in the Brisbane Running Festival because it's a great family event," Mrs Vickers said.

This year Mr and Mrs Vickers will compete in the half marathon while Larissa, nine, and twins Gemma and Liam, six, will compete in the 2.2km InTraining Kids' Challenge.

This will be Mrs Vickers' second half marathon this year after taking part in the Gold Coast Half Marathon earlier this month.

Mrs Vickers said she aimed to cross the line in under two hours.

"I'm enjoying my training for the Powerade Half Marathon even though it means I have to get up early, out of a warm bed on cold winter mornings and because I have an arrangement to run with a friend it ensures I'm not tempted to give it a miss," she said.

Mornings are busy times for families and the Vickers make a great "tag team".

Mr and Mrs Vickers run on alternate mornings so they can make the kids' breakfasts and lunches before dropping them off at school.

In addition to feeling fitter, healthier and stronger, Mrs Vickers said the most rewarding aspect of taking part in the event was working together as a family.

"I whole-heartedly encourage families thinking of entering to do it," she said.

"Last year the kids loved the encouragement from the Brisbane crowd and said they had a great feeling of achievement when they crossed the finish line.

"That's exactly what we are all looking forward to experiencing this year."

The Brisbane Running Festival is on August 5 and incorporates a number of events suitable for all fitness levels and ages from marathons to 5km runs.

To enter or find out more, visit brisbanemarathon.com.

Originally published as Family is full of go, go, go