Popular Toowoomba physiotherapist, podiatrist, accomplished ironman and triathlete, Piet Van Der Kooij established interval training sessions for local events with the objective of helping runners achieve their goals in a fun and practical environment.

Little did he know that the sessions would become so popular that between him and the Toowoomba Road Runners they would run three group sessions during the week with up to 160 eager runners striding it out in picturesque Queen’s Park.

Piet said the sessions were a place to start for everyone and provided great lead in training for events including the Peak to Park and the May long weekend Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.

“It’s really fulfilling to help people achieve their goals,” said Piet who despite a long list of fitness achievements has never run a full marathon and will be making the 2025 Toowoomba race his first.

“I’m excited and thankful that my hometown is hosting an internationally standard marathon.

“It’s great that I get to train on the course and running through the likes of Queen’s Park I know there will be lots of supporters so it will be fun.

“It’s a really healthy and positive environment for the community with the different race lengths meaning there is an event for everyone,” Piet said.

Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon organisers are encouraging locals to check out the Sunday 4 May course maps and set up support stations to cheer loved ones and runners on during the event.

Events Management Queensland also proudly delivers the annual ASICS Gold Coast Marathon and the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games which feature on the What’s on in Queensland events calendar.

Events Management Queensland acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the Toowoomba Region and pays respect to the Elders past, present and emerging, for they hold the knowledge, rich traditions and bold ambitions of Australia’s First Peoples.

For event information and to enter the Toowoomba Marathon visit: toowoombamarathon.com.au

For further information on interval training sessions with Piet from Optimise Health and/or the Toowoomba Road Runners visit Run Toowoomba Run | Facebook or Instagram.