“The R.A.N.T.S” (Rhett, Aidan, Niamh, Toni and Shanan) are taking part in the 2017 Melbourne Marathon Festival in honour of Toni and to raise much needed funds for Cure Brain Cancer. Whilst Toni has passed, she is an inspiration to many which we will all draw on during race day.  

So what spurred this idea? Well having dinner with Rhett and Niamh in early July after they had just completed a half marathon at Run Melbourne, it was suggested why don’t we do the Melbourne Marathon? Personally I have never liked running and have not run more than 5km in the last 18 months or 10km since football preseason training 15 years ago. Whilst 3 months is a bit tight to prepare for a 42.2km marathon, why not? I have the time to train, can run around some beautiful places and most importantly the motivation.

As for Toni, she liked running on the treadmill, mostly at Hendra Health Works in Brisbane or Goodlife Health Club in Sandringham. We only went for a run together once thinking it would be a good hobby to do together. However our run didn’t make it past the end of the street as apparently I ran to fast and Toni didn’t really like the outdoors. Instead we stuck to yoga :)

Celebration! After the race, we would like to invite everyone to a gathering in the Royal Botanic Gardens to (hopefully!) celebrate the R.A.N.T.S finishing and also Toni’s birthday which is on the 18th of October. Toni and I had many happy memories in the Royal Botanic Gardens attending the Moonlight Cinemas, gourmet picnics and nice walks. The area has also served as a training venue for “The R.A.N.T.S”. A marquee will be setup from 3:30 – 7pm at the Nymphaea Lake West area close to Gate Entrance E on Birdwood Avenue. Soft drink, water and alcohol will be provided along with snacks however feel free to bring along your own plate and drinks to share with others. Children and dogs are also very welcome, Toni would encourage that and Zoe will need some company!

Thank you for your support.