“Godfather of running” Robert de Castella inspires team of 12 indigenous runners for Gold Coast Airport Marathon

Robert de Castella, aka “The Godfather of running”, made a special visit to some indigenous runners to inspire them before the Gold Coast Marathon.

Former Marathon runner Robert de Castella (centre) with Rachel Baker (left) and Harold Matthew (right), members of the indigenous team who are in preparation for the weekends Gold Coast Marathon. Shown is them during a photo shoot at the Super Sports Centre in Runaway Bay, Gold Coast. Picture: Regi Varghese

TWELVE indigenous runners preparing for the Gold Coast half-marathon this weekend were given a special treat when champion runner Rob de Castella dropped by to give them some last-minute advice.

Through the indigenous Marathon Project, the runners were in camp on the Coast preparing for their 21km kilometre run under the guidance of Mr de Castella and his inspiring words.

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And while his message of inspiration may have been short and sweet, it is sure to be going through the athletes’ minds this weekend.

“Nothing is as good as the finish line,” he said.

“That’s the best part.”

The runners were selected from 120 indigenous people who had some sporting experience, with the aim of inspiring them to spread the healthy and active lifestyle of running.

Mr de Castella said he believed all the group could finish their longest run.

“Beyond doubt they can do it, but they have to have a reason to keep going when they hit the wall,” he said.

It’s the second of four camps and races the runners will enter as they prepare for their main goal, the New York Marathon, in ­November.

Head coach Mick Rees said the program allowed indigenous people to live healthier, and Rob’s presence helped them along the life-changing experience.

“They become local heroes and it is so beneficial for them and others to be able to relate to them,” Mr Rees said.

“Running just makes such a difference and it’s good for your health, character — and the marathon is so hard so if you can do it you’re just so proud,” Mr de Castella said.

But not even the excitement of race day could distract some of the group from their famous mentor.

Alice Springs mother Sarah Carmody said she was starstruck after Rob replied to her on Facebook, after she had grown up with the news of his courageous runs.

“It freaks me out because I call him the Godfather of running, and at school I had to do assignments on him,” she said.

“Now he is mentoring us and he even said to me on Facebook ‘Go to bed Sarah we have a big day tomorrow’ and I was just like ‘Oh, my goodness’.

“It’s weird but I just feel so much happier and I have even become a role model for my friends back home.”

While he won’t be putting his long-distance runners back on, Rob will be running the 5.4km race with his daughter and cheering the group along the way.