General News
8 May, 2023
Lis tackles fifth half marathon, running for Francis
Clunes local Lis Thevenet has been putting her best foot in front of the other for the past five years, putting her mind to running half marathons for a cause dear to her and her family. In just a few weeks’ time, Lis will be tackling her fifth...
Clunes local Lis Thevenet has been putting her best foot in front of the other for the past five years, putting her mind to running half marathons for a cause dear to her and her family.
In just a few weeks’ time, Lis will be tackling her fifth half marathon as part of the 2023 RACV Solar Great Ocean Road Running Festival and raising money for Beyond Blue — in memory of her brother Francis.
Eight years ago Lis and her family were touched by tragedy when Francis, the family’s youngest brother, took his own life.
“It knocked me and my three brothers and four sisters for six,” she said.
“We had no idea Francis was feeling the way he was, it came out of the blue.
“My brother was a carpenter by trade and was on very strong pain killers as a result of a back injury and so he couldn’t work.
“We all feel very strongly that if Francis had reached out to Beyond Blue he would still be here, that’s why I’m doing this half marathon.”
Several years after her brother’s passing and inspired by two of her daughters, Lis took up running at the age of 65 and now 70, said running has gotten into her blood.
“My daughter Sarah who’s into marathon running had registered to run in the Canberra marathon and I had an appointment in Sydney, so I thought I’d go through Canberra and join her,” she said.
“I registered to do a 10 kilometre run there and between my daughter and I, we raised around $1300 for Beyond Blue.
“Once you start running it just gets into your blood and I’ve been running half marathons since, this one along the Great Ocean Road will be my fifth.”
Lis has already raised over $100 towards her $500 fundraising goal ahead of the half marathon, which is taking place on May 20 and 21, and said if her effort’s can support even one person it’s worth doing.
“If I can raise a little bit of money for Beyond Blue so they can support even one person I’ll be happy and any publicity that will make people aware and reach out for support is worthwhile,” she said.
“Running has also been great for me personally, it’s very cathartic.
“I do a 12 week training program ahead of each run and can listen to an audiobook or some music and within two minutes, I’ve forgotten I’m running.”
To donate to Lis’ half marathon effort, head to Beyond Blue’s website at gorrf23.grassrootz.com/
beyondblue/elisabeth-thevenet
If you or a loved one are in need of immediate support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue on 1800 512 348 or the Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.