The Cairns Post

Gold Coast race awaits Alice runners

Max Bennett

03Jul08

Noel Harris in training for the Gold Coast Marathon. Picture: HANNAH MILLERICK

NOEL Harris will be leading a troop of runners from Alice Springs all the way to sunny Queensland to compete in this weekend's Gold Coast Marathon.

Harris, a marathon veteran, said he expected to be running with over 20,000 other competitors.

He said: ``It's sparked a running revolution all over the world.

``By having shorter distances it has involved more people in running.''

Harris has hung up the marathon running shoes after competing in some 20 events in Europe, Asia and throughout the Pacific.

He is now feeling at home running the 21.1km half-marathon.

Aside from globe-trotting, the veteran runner has been a regular on the domestic scene, having raced in every state and territory.

Harris said his days of running in a full marathon are well and truly gone, with the half distance race more to his liking.

He said: ``I've haven't run a full marathon since 1994.''

With his focus changing to coaching, Harris said Alice Springs provides him with the perfect training terrain to best prepare for the gruelling run.

He said: ``In training we do running up Anzac Hill, work at Head Street Oval and we've got some great cross-country running in Alice Springs.

The 30th running of the Gold Coast Marathon gets under way this coming Sunday morning at 7am.