Jess Jones and Jacob Jones prepare to take on Gold Coast Marathon weekend

More than a decade after hanging up her running shoes, a Gold Coast mum is stepping up to the start line at a Gold Coast marathon challenge. To help tackle the race, she’s recruited the most motivating coach of all: her son.

Jessica Jones, and her son Jacob Jones (11) are set to run the 10km distance of the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Annette Dew

English expat Jess Jones, 43, hasn’t run more than five kilometres since becoming a mother of three.

In July, she’s set to stretch her legs during the Gold Coast Marathon weekend with her eldest, 11-year-old, Jacob.

On a morning walk last year, he was inspired by marathon participants passing Miami. She explained: “We saw them all running and he said I really want to do a half marathon.”

It’s a category reserved for 15-years-old and up, so the pair compromised by signing up for Southern Cross University’s 10km trot.

Jessica Jones said she hadn’t ran more than 5 kilometres since becoming a mother. Picture: Annette Dew

“Down in Miami last year, we watched the Gold Coast Marathon, and that was inspiring.

“We went down for an early morning walk and happened to bump into it. We saw them all running and he was like I really want to do a half marathon.

“We went to try and sign up for it but it said he was too young, so I said we can do the 10km if you want.

“It’s really sweet that we get to do something together before he completely outgrows my ability levels,” she said.

This year, he placed 1st in grade seven cross country, a 3km dash, and has since been selected to qualify for state level competition.

“He gets more incidental opportunities to train than I do. When we run, then he’ll turn back to pick me up. He is pretty encouraging, he’d say ‘good job mum’, he doesn’t belittle me.”

Jones’ last endurance event was more than a decade ago, she ticked off the Paris Marathon in under four hours and admitted to enjoying experience anticipation.

“I did get the bug when I was training back then actually, it was the challenge and wanting something to motivate myself to get out and go running. It wasn’t long after I was pregnant with Jacob and I’ve not run again.

“I do a bit of running here and there. Since the longest I’ve done is the 5km park run. We’re at the age with our kids now where they’re better than you at everything.

“It’s really sweet that we get to do something together before he completely outgrows my ability levels. Who knows, maybe the next step is to do a half marathon together.”

The mother and son are preparing to hit the pavement together in the 10km distance. Picture: Annette Dew

The pair are ramping up their preparation, taking advantage of the local park runs, “you just want to try and find ways to stay healthy for your kids.

“Longevity of life when you get to my age, it’s about trying to manage kids, work and trying to squeeze in staying healthy. I definitely wouldn’t have done it if he hadn’t persuaded me.”