On Sunday the 10^th of June, a huge number of runners of all abilities took to the Greater Springfield Marathon Festival. One of the participants was former Olympian Benita Willis, who took the time to talk to us about how she found the event and what advice she has to other runners looking to race the event next year.

What makes the Greater Springfield Marathon Festival stand out from other events?

BW: I love visiting Springfield as it is such a new, thriving area just outside of Brisbane and I always feel so much energy being in the area. With the emergence of the Springfield Runners Group, running is booming out there so to have an event which catered for everyone from elites to kids to families to first time runners – was fantastic for all. I loved the ‘small town’ country feel to the event with personal touches like a shuttle bus to the start line from the race precinct (to save us walking 700m uphill to get there), our names on our race numbers, amazing finisher medals and running singlet – to name a few. Also, there were so many pacers who were out there not only pacing people to PB’s but also encouraging everyone though out the race on every part of the course.

What was the atmosphere of the event like?

BW: The atmosphere was great as this was a looped course, so you didn’t ever feel like you were running ‘alone’ for any part of the race. There were also people on the microphone keeping us on our toes as we crossed various parts of the course. We got to see other runners constantly on the course too so many people in the race were yelling out to others running in a different direction to keep going or push on. This is always so motivating, especially in the closing stages of a race!

What made you decide to compete in the 28km event?

BW: I wanted to try a race which I have never done before. This is an odd sort of distance but loved the idea of it as many people running the 28km were using it to prepare for a marathon down the track or wanting to try a distance a little further then say a half marathon which they had conquered before. Something for everyone which I loved!

Did you have any specific goals heading into the race?

BW: I had no specific goals other than to pace and help inspire other runners. I love talking to other runners and ran with some ladies from Girls Run This Town over the first 10km (and participated in my first ever ‘running selfie’) then ran with some ladies in the GaleForce Running Squad further into the race. I also stopped to chat to the Springfield Runners Group volunteers who were manning the drink station out on course and thanked them for their help too. This community group in Springfield donated so much of their time and resources into making the event a success. I did love this about running in this race too. Plus, it was a super cool morning, perfect for PB’s – I’m sure many people achieved their best ever results or achieved a goal they were chasing. I wanted to help in this process. I actually finished 2^nd in this race; something unexpected but lovely to experience how much the event organisers (Maria and Tony Becis) recognise achievements like this with an amazing prize pack and trophy.

How did you find the course?

BW: The course was great as it was a loop course – for my race (28km), it was 4 laps of the high loop then 4 laps of the lower loop. I believe they may change this a little for next year once some more roads open in the area, but I loved running on brand new roads which were very wide and good underfoot. The atmosphere on these sorts of courses is good too as there were big concentrations of people in many parts.

What did you enjoy most about the event?

BW: I probably enjoyed seeing people finish the most. Whether they were running in the 7km, 10km, 28km, 35km, marathon or kids race – that sense of achievement is always amazing to witness no matter what level a runner someone is.

What advice do you have for runners looking to compete in this event next year?

BW: Do it! Whether you are a first-time runner or looking at trying a new challenge or doing a distance you have never run before – this race is for you. I would also encourage families to run as there is something for everyone, so you can all be involved!