By ROB HARRIS
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WITH the motto “It’s better to wear out than rust out”, six Border women will take on perhaps the most gruelling physical challenge of their lifetimes this weekend.
Vogel Vixens, a group of women under the tutelage of Border Track and Field Club’s Clive Vogel, will take part in the 45km Six Foot Track Marathon.
Cerina Meredith, Kerrie O’Connell, Colleen Beven, Lesley Gardner, Karla McDonald and Juliana Phelps will test themselves on the Six Foot Track, a 45km footpath stretching across the Blue Mountains National Park from near Katoomba to Jenolan Caves.
The marathon, which started in 1984, follows the length of the entire footpath and is Australia’s fifth largest marathon and a 100 per cent off-road event.
The group has been in preparation for the past few months by running Nail Cain Hill and Huon Hill, averaging between 60km and 80km a week.
“Individually we’ve participated in a number of endurance events ranging from half marathons, 50km races, the 100km Oxfam walk and the Ironman triathlon,” O’Connell said.
“Back in June a handful of us started running together and our group has grown from there and after completing the Shepparton half marathon we decided to set our sights on the Six Foot Marathon.”
Between eight and 12 women have turned up at the regular training session with women aged 36 and 49 running together.
O’Connell said it was a great chance to keep fit, form friendships and share a few laughs along the way.
“For us it’s not about winning, it’s about getting out there and having a go and the feeling of accomplishment when you get to the finish.
“We know the marathon will be tough but with the hard work we’ve put in, together with a healthy dose of determination, we’re all pretty confident of finishing the event before the seven-hour cut-off.”