There is a breed of human being living amongst us, who actually enjoy the act of running 42.195 kilometres. Apparently once your legs are on fire, feeling like jelly, and you’re short of breath you’ll experience some sort of euphoria. Personally, that’s way too much effort to make myself feel ‘good’, if you can call it that.

For those mad few, there is an event coming up this year, right here on the Sunshine Coast that will allow its participants to ‘double-dip’ on their ‘feel good’ vibes – the Sunshine Coast Marathon. This not-for-profit event is once again offering us all a chance to ‘do good’, either by donating directly; sponsoring a runner; or simply by participating yourself; either way you can walk away feeling good about yourself knowing you’ve done something positive for the world this August 18th to 20th.

For the insane people who want to sign up for this legal form of self-torture, training has begun in preparation for the numerous events offered over that weekend; and there are plenty of tips and tricks located on the Sunshine Coast Marathon websites for those who wish to sign up. There are a total of 6 different events to participate in, with varying degrees of severity; ranging from distances of the afore mentioned 42.195km, right down to the 1km ‘Fun Run‘. The ‘not so fun run’ that is the Channel 7 Marathon is not for the feint of heart. This event is for the athletes, with a cut off time of 6 hours. This full marathon, with an age restriction of 18 and above, is the truest test of stamina and dedication on offer, and should only be attempted by seasoned endurance runners.

For amateur athletes looking to test their metal, but not quite insane enough to sign up for the big race, there is the McDonalds Half Marathon with a distance of 21km with an age restriction of 15 year and older. This run is still an intense physical test and not to be taken lightly. Also on offer are the 10km, 2km, and 1km races, each less intense than the last for those simply looking to give it a go and raise some money for charity with friends.

For more information on each of the events, as well as information on the event sponsors, and how to sign up; visit the Sunshine Coast Marathon website. For those, not quite game enough to sweat it out for charity, but still wanting support it, the event offers us all the opportunity to sponsor our friends, family and neighbours in whichever event they choose to participate.

Through their website’s fundraising page, everyone can donate directly to their chosen charity, or sponsor a runner to help encourage them in their efforts. All entry fees and non-specific-donations will be split amongst the vast array of charities sponsored by this fund-raising event, chief amongst which being the Ronald McDonald House charity.

Since 2012, the Ronald McDonald House charity has been the major beneficiary of the event, culminating in the South-Brisbane Ronald McDonald house that was recently completed and is already housing countless sick children and their families while they under go treatment. Without the valuable help of this awesome organisation, many children would have to go through their struggles without the support of their families, who may live thousands of kilometres away. Each charity is deserving of our help, so I urge you all to help however you can, as every step and cent means a world of difference to someone.