Before the sun rises over the paddocks, before the stars go to bed, and even before the first rooster crows, local Leonie Goldmith is already awake and chasing the day, in training for the Sydney marathon.
The St Brigids kindergarten teacher has spent the past 12 months working up her fitness to tackle the 42.2 kilometre run on August 30.
But she is not only running to cross the finish line.
The 59-year-old is running to raise donations for the Coonamble Cancer Survival Fund.
“The fund has significantly helped so many locals through their cancer journey,” she said.
“I just want to be able to give back.”
In 2012 Mrs Goldsmith herself was diagnosed with breast Cancer, and in 2013 she received a gift from the local cancer fund.
“It just made me feel so good.”
She said the contribution made her feel cared for.
Leonie reported the fund has helped over 360 locals affected by cancer , and helps around 30 a year.
She hopes to add to the fund to help community members impacted by cancer feel the same.
“I just wanted to give back to the fund that gave to me.”
She has made a Go Fund Me page, and was initially aiming for $3,000.
She surpassed that, and is now sitting at $4,440 as of Tuesday 20 July.
She will be running the marathon with her daughter, Bridget, in just over a month.
Leonie said this is her first marathon, and she has dedicated the last year to training.
“I’m going to give it a long and hard red-hot-go.
“I’m running about 50 kilometres a week at present.”
Leonie said she jogs around her property, past the cattle and sheep, before work.
“There have been a few times I’ve had to set an alarm for 4.30 am for a run.
She said with her daughter by her side, and the Coonamble Cancer Survival fund to fundraise for, she is excited for the race.
“It will be so special.”
By KELSI DAVIS