Resident joins in a rewarding run

CBD resident and worker Sumathi Chatna describes herself as “not a runner”, but she is participating in a 10km run at the Melbourne Marathon on October 15 for a good cause. 

Ms Chatna said she was inspired by her colleagues, who participated in last year’s Melbourne Marathon and raised money for charities.

With the support from her company and her husband, she decided to join the marathon and aimed to raise $700 for the Heart Foundation.

She will be running with her colleagues and husband and hopes to make more friends along the way.

Despite being not particularly athletic, Ms Chatna is training hard in preparation for the 10km run.

She runs almost every day at the Royal Botanic Gardens, which is also the location for Melbourne Marathon.

For her, living and working in the CBD has provided the extra free time to train.

“Living in the CBD is a luxury. I can focus more on work and be more efficient in what I do,” she said.

“Everything is within walkable distance so I save time from commuting. I have plenty of time in the morning before I go to work so I can go for a quick run.”

Ms Chatna migrated from India to Australia in 2014 and immediately adapted.

“I think there is a really good work/life balance living in Melbourne. There is opportunity to settle down and explore the city. It’s very convenient and you can easily find a good place to catch up with friends."

With the event drawing near, Ms Chatna said she would just run “as much as she could”.

“I think I will get a great sense of satisfaction from completing the run because I can help other people.”

Melbourne Marathon is celebrating its 40th birthday this October. In 1978, 2000 people participated in the marathon and this year 35,000 people will run to raise funds for various non-profit organisations.

Participants can have their choice of a full marathon, half marathon, 10km run, 5.7km run or 3km walk.

For more information, visit melbournemarathon.com.au