While most of us were tucked in bed on Saturday morning when it was a chilly –3.3 degrees Celsius, Janet Norton-Knight was running 21.1km across “red earth” in the Northern Territory.
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The 62-year-old local runner travelled to Central Australia last week to complete the Australian Outback Half-Marathon.
A predominantly off-road course, made up of bush trails, access roads and tracks and unsealed roads, Janet ran the event in two hours and 25 minutes.
Finishing third in her age group, she described her first half-marathon as pleasant.
“I had never done a half-marathon before. The course was flat with five small sand dunes, it was very comfortable,” Janet said.
Janet’s regular fitness routine, which includes running, walking and swimming, allowed her to easily set the goal of completing a half-marathon.
“I walk 5km every morning with my neighbour and I swim 20-30 laps every day when the pool is open.”
“I am just very thankful that I have got good health.”
Janet participates in several local events, triathlons and the City 2 Surf in Sydney each year.
“I want to keep doing what I can and making the most of it,” she said.
Set in the picturesque Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park, the Australian Outback Half-Marathon running surface consisted mainly of the famous “red earth” that can be found all over central Australia.
Stunning views of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) were waiting around almost every corner. Short sand-dunes challenged runners, however the views at the top certainly made the effort worthwhile.
Janet was overwhelmed with the breathtaking landscape that surrounded her on the run.
“It was just fantastic. I had never been there before, it was absolutely beautiful,” she said.
Technology was left at home and runners truly embraced the Australian desert.
“Runners were encouraged to run without earphones to appreciate the beauty of the land, the sound of the silence and the sound of the birds.
“It was just a wonderful experience, if anyone gets the opportunity I would encourage them to do it,” she said.
Janet dined with other runners, who had travelled from 28 different nations, at the Outback Hotel the evening after the race and experienced a camel ride on Sunday before heading home.
Her advice to those thinking of beginning their running or fitness journey:
“Everybody and every age should do it ... start small. It is so good for you physically, mentally and emotionally.”
