Gold Coast Marathon: Runner Sophie Curnow gives her tips to give it your all

Experienced runner Sophie Curnow might just have the secret to reaching your peak this Gold Coast Marathon raceday.

Under four hours.

This is a common goal for first-time marathon runners who have trained in anticipation of hitting the pavement on race day.

For Southern Cross University graduate and pace runner Sophie Curnow, the sub-four group in any marathon is the most inspirational as they see their marathon dreams turn into reality – some for the first time.

After finishing high school in Victoria 12 years ago, Sophie could only dream of the day where she could run six kilometres non-stop.

Now the Gold Coast nursing graduate and fitness guru has travelled the world racing in marathons with sponsorship deals, and is a familiar face on the official Gold Coast Marathon poster, leading the running pack while fist-pumping the air.

Sophie is a familiar face at the marathon.

After seven years of competing, Sophie will this year run as the official four-hour pacer for the Gold Coast Marathon. She’ll be wearing black balloons and a pace-running outfit, signalling to runners to stick with her to achieve their sub-four goal.

“My advice for people trying to break the four-hour mark would be to slow down at the start,” Sophie said.

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“When the gun goes off everyone tends to just go for it because you’re so squished in that you just want your own area, but you’ve just got to enjoy that first kilometre and just take in the atmosphere, then you can assess what pace you want to run and that’s when you find your groove.

“It’s a really popular spot being right next to the pacer, because you can mimic their steps – but I’m hoping no one knocks me over!”

She’ll be setting the pace this raceday.

Sophie says while running is hard work, particularly for people who need to build up fitness, it is worth setting the challenge to run the distance, whether it be 6km or 42km.

Last year Sophie decided to double up her Gold Coast Marathon entries, tackling Saturday’s Southern Cross University 10km run before running Sunday’s main marathon event.

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For first-time marathon competitors, Sophie says planning is vital to success.

“For any new runners out there, my biggest tip is to get serious about your hydration and your fuelling – that’s the most important part,” she said. “Planning is crucial. “