Local runner to take on Jetty 2 Jetty half marathon

Scarborough local Trent Aquilina will take on the Jetty 2 Jetty half marathon after recently completing the half marathon in New York.

Trent defied all odds when he joined his local parkrun team and started running in 2017 when he weighed in at 156kg and suffered from a bad bout of Plantar Fasciitis.

The now professional runner has since lost 80kg just from running and has run in multiple marathons, including Jetty 2 Jetty, Bridge to Brisbane and other 10km fun runs.

“I try to run parkrun any chance I get, whether it be my home parkrun at Redcliffe or whichever town/city I’m visiting,” Trent says.

“But I do run when I can through the week to keep my training going. My total parkrun’s to date is 77.”

Trent says the New York half marathon was his first.

“I got the inspiration to run it in 2020 when my good friend Diana was running in the Paris, London and New York halves, but unfortunately COVID stopped all events being run,” he says.

“So, I made it my mission that my first half marathon was going to be New York. It was just an incredible experience from start to finish. It was run like a well-oiled machine.

“The only other time they close Times Square is for New Years Eve, which makes those moments running through Times Square and hearing the crowds cheer you (on) even more special.”

Trent expresses his excitement for this year’s Jetty 2 Jetty half marathon after competing in the 10km last year.

“I am really looking forward to this year’s Jetty 2 Jetty to compete in the half and run along the Peninsula up to Scarborough and back to Clontarf,” he explains.

“(I enjoy) taking in all the gorgeous sights, soaking up the atmosphere of the crowd cheering all their friends and family along the route.

“We have an awesome running community on the Peninsula.”

When asked what advice he would give to other runners, Trent said: “Basically, get off your backside and just give it a go. Whether it be running, walking or jogging. It’s not only great fitness for the body but the mind as well.

“But I really do want to thank my family and mates (Team CAAP) from Redcliffe parkrun, Phil, Abby, Gav, Kez and Mark along with the Redcliffe Tri Club for their encouragement, training and support.

“Also, a very big thanks to Shena Dale from RX Movement; my running physio, her support, especially for New York, was incredible.”

For more information or to register for Jetty 2 Jetty, visit the website.