Three veterinarians, all family members originally from Venezuela, are bringing a special family dynamic to this year’s Toowoomba Wellcamp Airport Marathon.

Roberto Garcia, his wife Maria, and Maria’s father Juan Bidirinis have each entered different events: Roberto is running the full marathon, Maria the Visit Toowoomba Region 10km, and Juan the Grand Central 5km.

Roberto, who placed sixth in last year’s full marathon, is hoping to draw on the family vibe to climb a few spots higher this time around.

“Roberto has been running forever, but this is the first time we’ve all entered an event together,” Maria said as the trio picked up their race kits at the airport terminal.

“Most of all, we’re expecting the weekend to be a lot of fun.”

A vet in the booming egg production industry, Roberto balances the demands of animal welfare with his passion for running.

“I take care of the wellbeing of egg-laying chickens – it’s a demanding job,” he said.

“But we all love our work as vets, and we’re excited to run and support each other out on the course,” he said.

And adding to the family connection this weekend, cheering them on from the sidelines will be Maria’s mother, Juan’s wife Marina, and the couple’s gorgeous 18-month-old daughter Martina.