Runners in the City2South could find themselves keeping pace with a gold-medal Olympian, as rugby sevens star Emilee Cherry prepares to lace on the shoes for Sunday's event.
Subscribe now for unlimited access to all our agricultural news
across the nation
or signup to continue reading
Cherry, 24, will be one of more than 5000 runners taking part, and she was hoping many of those hitting the streets would be children, especially young girls.
"If I can encourage young girls to live a healthier lifestyle and have fun and make some really great friends, that is something very important to me and something that was important to me growing up," Cherry said.
The 2014 World Seven's Player of the Year, Cherry was part of the team that made history at the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics, as the first Australian team to win gold in the event.
The Brisbane Times City2South presented by Westpac takes place on Sunday, June 4, and includes 14-kilometre and 5-kilometre race courses, with the aim to raise $125,000 for over 700 charities, including the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
In preparation for the event, Cherry said while she had not been training hard, playing rugby sevens and her lifelong involvement in various sports had been good preparation for the day.
"I normally cover about six or seven kilometres in a rugby sevens game, so it isn't as far as the run. It has definitely been an advantage in preparing for the event," she said.
Cherry, running to raise awareness of the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter, said she felt lucky to be able to share her message of motivation with all young kids, not only those interested in a sporting career.
"Growing up, my mum instilled in me a very important message which is to always beat your own best," she said.
"Never worry about what anyone else is focused on or what they are doing, it's about knowing you are trying your best and are being the best person you can be.
"It is so important to always be the best you can be no matter what you are doing, believe in yourself and keep going, to never give up."
The event starts at 7.30am with a 5km race, followed by a 14km race at 8am.
The 14km course starts on George Street in the CBD, while the 5km course starts within the University of Queensland campus.
The event also features live entertainment, an F45 training session, food trucks, children's activities, and more throughout the day.
Cherry said City2South was not only an opportunity for the Brisbane community to come together and enjoy being active, but raised money for an important cause.
"The City2South has two important messages to it. It's about getting out and having fun with your family, being active and being healthy, and alternatively it is also about raising awareness for a cause that we are so privileged to have in this country," Cherry said.
"It's something very special."
