Running for research in NYC

TIARNA Waight found an interest in running four years ago.

She started small, gradually building up her experience before joining parkrun, the Athlete’s Foot run club and then Evolution Runners.

“I started running with them and did my first half marathon,” Ms Waight said. But now, she has her sights on a more challenging goal.

On Sunday, 3 November she will be in the United States running the New York City Marathon. The Run for Research, will see Ms Waight compete on behalf of the National Breast Cancer Foundation and she hopes to raise at least $10,000.

She is funding her own travel expenses and all funds raised will go directly to NBCF, a close cause.

Sally Waldron, Ms Waight’s mum, is a survivor of breast cancer, having been diagnosed in 2013 and receiving the “all-clear” in 2014.

An email about NBCF’s Run for Research encouraged Ms Waight to throw her hat in the ring. Only one person could represent the charity in New York.

“I applied and registered my interest,” she said. “I had a few ideas for fundraising… They rang me up, had a chat and rang me back the next day and said, ‘you’re in’.”

Looking ahead to November, Waight is training five times a week and anticipating New York’s atmosphere.

“I’ll run a couple of speed, a few easy and then a long run on the weekend,” she said. “I like the Lake, Canadian and Yarrowee trails. Not road, but in between.

“It sounds like the crowds are good in New York and it will be cooler weather.”

Ballarat and District Trotting Club held a Harness Racing Night event last week to boost Ms Waight’s fundraising and she will continue to accept donations through the year.

The NBCF hopes to achieve zero breast cancer deaths by 2030.

“Please help me help them by giving whatever you can,” Ms Waight said.

“The more people that know about National Breast Cancer Foundation, the greater their impact.”

Find out more about how you can support Tiarna Waight at facebook.com/Tiarnas-Run-for-Research-2019-388149571954957.