Not even a stress fracture, minimal training and two last minute decisions were enough to stop ‘Team Running Panda’ competing in the Great Wall Marathon in China recently.
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Nowra Athletics Club members Laura Burbage, Maxine Gernyi, Zahra Wells and Laura Prince took on the event after Zahra encouraged everyone to join her dream.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do but I texted the girls only two months before and asked if they wanted to do it too,” she said.
With supportive husbands encouraging them to chase the once in a lifetime opportunity, all four women set off planning on completing the half marathon – but things quickly changed.
“We hadn’t done a great deal of training and Laura (Burbage) had a stress fracture in her back so she wasn’t even sure she’d be able to do it so we we all went there basically thinking we’d do the half,” Maxine said.
“But on the day Laura (Prince) and Zahra decided to do the full marathon.
“Max was the first Australian to cross the line in her age group and came ninth out of around 19 competitors.
- -Laura Prince
“The cut-off was eight hours and the girls convinced themselves they don’t care if they don't do it in under that but secretly they would have been devastated if they didn’t get a medal,” Maxine laughed.
After tackling more than 6000 steps, an almost vertical climb and a tough slog, both women finished with an hour to spare – and proudly received that coveted medal.
While Maxine battled a chest infection and Laura (Burbage) continued with a stress fracture, the pair competed the half marathon, tackled 3000 steps and picked up a prestigious title.
“Max was the first Australian to cross the line in her age group and came ninth out of around 19 competitors,” Laura (Prince) said.
Maxine said while she was delighted to make the top ten, the experience was the real highlight.
“It wasn’t about making good time, it was about the adventure,” she said.
“I took my GoPro and interviewed people along the way; I interviewed so many people at one point I turned to Laura (Burgage) and said “I can’t talk anymore’ and I heard this bloke say ‘thank God’, she laughed.
“Everyone loved Team Running Panda – we put Nowra on the map.”
With 2500 competitors from 50 countries competing, Maxine said it was an unforgettable experience.
“It was just great because it brings people from all walks of life together. You’re there to do your run and experience it all,” she said.
While they’re enjoying some well-deserved rest time, all four women agreed they’ve got another overseas adventure ahead of them.
“The Big 5 Marathon in South Africa is next.”