Johnathan Thurston finishes first ever half-marathon at Gold Coast marathon

NRL legend Johnathan Thurston completed his first ever half-marathon at the Gold Coast Marathon. Find out what he’s running for.

Jonathan Thurston and Buddy Franklin cross the line in the 2035 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

The half-marathon distance at the Gold Coast marathon on Saturday attracted more than 10,000 runners from all walks of life, from record-breaking elite runners, to NRL legends.

In his first ever half marathon NRL legend Johnathan Thurston said he’s glad he finished after a gruelling last 3km.

“There were some voices in the head in the last 3km, the body’s aching - it’s tough but very enjoyable,” he said.

“The knees, hamstrings, the lower back aching the voices going just stop, but you look around and see the people running beside you, people in the street cheering you on - we’ve all got a purpose here with the Indigenous Marathon Project so thinking about my family and the other squad members.”

In its 16th year, the Indigenous Marathon Project - led by one of Australia’s running greats Rob de Castella - promotes healthy lifestyle and leadership, using running to celebrate Indigenous resilience and create leaders.

Thurston said 14 squad members joined the ranks in today’s half, including AFL legend Buddy Franklin - running for social change.

“We’re forming some good bonds and relationships with the squad members,” he said.

NRL legend Johnathan Thurston finished his first ever half-marathon at the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: Ashleigh Jansen.

“It’s not just about running and a healthy lifestyle, but it’s about what we do after as well.

“The squad members are looking at creating some social change within their communities.”

Thurston said one of the former female squad members started a charity after she was assaulted when going for a run - which struck a chord with him.

Jonathan Thurston and Buddy Franklin cross the line in the 2035 Gold Coast Half Marathon. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“She was out in the bush running a trail run and was assaulted,” he said.

“In this day and age it hit me to the core that women in this country can’t go for a run.

“Another squad member is getting kids out for 3km runs back home in Townsville around the dam. There’s about 15 little kids who go for a run, and just promoting that healthy lifestyle.

“There’s a lot of purpose behind what we’re doing, we’ve got a lot of leadership and education courses as well so members go back to their communities and be better for being part of this project.”

But Thurston and his squad aren’t done yet, gearing up for the Sunshine Coast half, the Alice Springs 30km trail run and when they get through that - the New York Marathon.

And as for the Origin, Thurston is heading back to camp this afternoon, ready to bring glory back to Queensland.

“Heading back to camp, back training with the boys,” he said.

“Got one job to do now and that’s to bring that shield back.”

Stay up to date with all the colour and characters from the Gold Coast Marathon here.

Originally published as Johnathan Thurston finishes first ever half-marathon at Gold Coast marathon