Remembering someone special at the HOKA Runaway Sydney Half Marathon
By Emily Usher | 15 May 2023
This Sunday 21 May 2023 will see over 10,000 participants take to the streets for the HOKA Runaway Sydney Half Marathon, including top Cure Cancer fundraiser, Georgia Nash, who will run in memory of her dad.
Georgia was just 6 years old when her dad was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in October 2002.
One runner who we’ll be cheering on from the sidelines is Cure Cancer fundraiser, Georgia, 26. Originally from New Zealand, Georgia (or 'G', to her friends) was just six when her dad was diagnosed with thyroid cancer back in October 2002. Sadly, the disease progressed quickly. He moved into hospital care less than six months later, and passed away the day after her 7th birthday on April 25th 2003.
Georgia’s memories of the time are hazy, but she can still recall the emotions she felt.
"I remember feeling upset and confused, and also very scared about what was going to happen," she says. "My mum, sister & I were very lucky to have a strong support system in place, but without a doubt, it has been the hardest thing I have ever been through in my life."
Despite her young age, Georgia’s fondest memories of her dad have remained clear. "Dad was a stay-at-home parent for a few years, so a lot of my favourite memories with him are helping him do the simplest jobs around the house - the washing, the gardening, taking the dog for a walk, cooking dinner. I’m also named after one of his favourite songs, 'Georgia Rae' by John Hiatt, so that song always has a special place in my heart. He had fantastic taste in music."
In honour of the anniversary and in tribute of her dad, Georgia has signed up for her first ever half marathon.
This year marks twenty years since Georgia’s dad’s death, and over time, Georgia has found ways to manage her grief. "I spent a lot of time not speaking about my feelings and my story to anyone. Now that I’m a bit older and more time has passed, I’ve realised that letting people in and getting their support can make things easier - whether that be a family member, a friend, a partner, or someone else in your life that you trust."
In honour of the anniversary and in tribute of her dad, Georgia has signed up for her first ever half marathon.
"All my friends will attest to the fact that I’m not a runner at all, but I was determined to do something to help find a cure for cancer. Unfortunately, cancer affects everyone either directly or indirectly, and finding a cure is the best way to change that narrative. Cure Cancer’s funding for researchers at the start of their career, who are coming into the field with bright new ideas, really resonated with me and I wanted to support their cause for the next generation of young scientists."
This year’s new half marathon course will start on the Cahill Expressway beside the Royal Botanic Gardens and take in the best highlights of the Sydney CBD, including the Sydney Opera House, Harbour Bridge, Barangaroo Reserve, The Rocks and Pyrmont Peninsula, finishing at Cathedral Square, adjacent to Hyde Park. Although this is Georgia’ first foray into running a half marathon, she’s hopeful it won’t be the last. "I’ve had some help in building a 12-week training plan, and I’ve really been enjoying it. I’m fortunate to have a lot of support around me, which makes the training a whole lot easier!"
Georgia is well on her way to achieving her $2,500 fundraising target, which will go towards funding life changing cancer research. You can support her by making a donation here.
For more information and to enter the 30th anniversary edition of the HOKA Runaway Sydney Half Marathon, visit https://www.runawaysydneyhalf.com.au
