Queensland steeplechaser and Griffith University biomedical science student, Gabriella Dalton, has some sporty words of wisdom for participants ahead of next month’s Griffith Sport Logan Fun Run.

“Don’t get tricked into sprinting at the start, but pace yourself,” Gabriella says. “Don’t follow those people who sprint at the start unless you’re one of them.”

Gabriella, an Australian steeplechase specialist at underage level, also encourages runners in the 10km, 5km and 1km dash to eat well the day before — a pasta dinner is advisable – and on the morning of the run.

“Make sure you get a good night’s sleep and eat a light breakfast at least an hour before the start. Even a banana will do.”

Gabriella (17) also stresses the importance of a proper stretching session in anticipation of some cooler temperatures early on a mid-June morning.

She has also encouraged Griffith students to group together and make a fun day out of the Logan Fun Run, taking advantage of discounts available for team entries.

AEIOU Foundation to be official charity partner

The 2017 Griffith Sport Logan Fun Run will be the third staging of an event that is fast emerging as one of the region’s leading annual social occasions. The spectacular course will take runners through a native arboretum on the Logan campus and around Lake Ellerslie.

The AEIOU Foundation is again the official charity partner for Logan Fun Run. The AEIOU Centre at Griffith’s Logan campus has been boosted by government funding in the past year to support an early intervention service for children with autism. Last year’s run raised $1890 for the AEIOU Foundation.

Organisers of the Fun Run are optimistic that the numbers participating will break 500 this year, impressive progress since the pilot run two years ago which involved 88 runners.

“Last year we saw a huge increase in families and runners from Logan participating and we look forward to building on this and making the third Fun Run a community event to remember,” event coordinator, Holly Ruhle, said.

The run starts at 7.45am on Sunday, June 18, from Griffith’s Logan campus.

The presenting partner is Stockland, with Logan City Council and Bendigo Bank also supporting partners.