MATTI AND FRANK VAN DER HARST WILL BE STEPPING OUT WITH MANY OTHER ACTIVE GEMLIFE HOMEOWNERS TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S POPULAR SUNSHINE COAST MARATHON AND RUNNING FESTIVAL IN AUGUST.
“We missed it last year, but we are committed to joining the GemLife team this year in the 5km category,” said the 78 and 80-year-old GemLife Pacific Paradise residents.
The couple, who have been married for 60 years this November, believe walking is an important and fun way to keep fit and active.
“I always walk at least 6000 steps a day,” said Matti.
Having two beautiful and cute bichon poodles to walk daily is another big incentive to venture out, as is the fact that GemLife Pacific Paradise is ideally positioned to be able to walk to the shops and many other community hotspots, according to Matti.
“We love walking and are both in the resort’s pickleball team which we have entered into the GemLife Games.”
Matti and Frank, who have competed and helped out in many other running/walking events in the past, can’t wait to line up with their fellow GemLife participants at the Sunshine Coast Marathon and Community Run Festival.
“The course, which follows the stunning flat coastline with white sandy beaches, will be beautiful to walk and there are no big hills to climb. We are also looking forward to the social aspect of the day and joining others for a coffee after the walk is over. It’s a great community event,” said Matti.
The Sunshine Coast Marathon and Community Run Festival will be held on 12 and 13 August, starting and finishing at the Alexandra Headlands Surf Club.