Even for ironmen such as Ky Hurst, the Canberra Times Fun Run won't necessarily be a walk in the park.
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The seven-time Australian Ironman winner will take part in this year's fun run to raise public awareness and support for the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service, the official Westpac charity.
"It's a very lucky thing to have the service on hand. I grew up watching the helicopters fly overhead when I was a kid and it just gives you a sense of security at the end of the day," the Westpac Lifesaver Rescue Helicopter Service Schools Program Ambassador said.
It is Hurst's third time taking part in the fun run series, which he says is such a great day.
"I've had a blast. There's so much energy. It's an awesome day and so entertaining. It's not just about the running anymore [with] so many distractions along the way," he said.
The Canberra Times Fun Run, presented by Westpac, will celebrate its 40th anniversary in September and Hurst, the buzz and electric atmosphere is what he's looking forward to most about the event.
"I haven't been to Canberra in a while and [the run] is such a great thing to be a part of – it's very lively," he said.
The holder of 24 Australian surf titles will take part in the 14-kilometre course and said it would be a challenge.
"All of [the courses] are a challenge, but I'm not after times at the end of the day," he said. "I'll be running with my eyes open and taking it all in."
Hurst offered some motivational words for people thinking about participating in the fun run.
"You'll never not want to do this. When you do it once, you'll want to do it again," he said.
"There's so much electricity and everyone's positive. There are no excuses at the end of the day and I think everyone can get through."
And some tips for preparing: :
"Eat well the night before, especially for the 14k. Drinking plenty of fluids is the biggest thing, [starting] a few days before. And do some stretching and warm-ups beforehand."
Hurst will be leading the warm-up on the day, but his program is not yet finalised.
"I'm still working on that. I'm not very good with my warm-ups. I was thinking of doing the swinging-the-arms thing, some hip flexes and calf flexes, but it's a bit hard when you've got thousands of people in front of you. There [may] not be much room for swinging the arms, so there might just be a lot of jumping around."
The Canberra Times Fun Run, presented by Westpac, will be held on September 6.
For more information and to register, visit canberratimesfunrun.com.au.
