Gillian Klevansky is flying across the ditch to compete at the Rotorua Marathon

17 April 2021

The opening of the Trans-Tasman bubble has allowed Gillian Klevansky to fly across the ditch to compete at the Rotorua Marathon – and she is calling on her fellow Aussies to join her on May 8.

Based in Sydney, the 67-year-old has ran marathons all around the world including New York, London and Honolulu and has leapt at the chance to join her running buddy to compete over the half-marathon distance in the stunning Whakarewarewa Forest.

“As soon as I heard Jacinda had opened the bubble, I rang my dear friend Carol Taylor, who lives in Matakana, to see about going to visit her. She then said. ‘you know the Rotorua Marathon is coming up and would you like to enter.’ The next day I booked my flights to New Zealand and Carol entered me for the race.”

Gillian first started running in her South Africa, her country of birth, and after relocating to live in Sydney 24 years ago she joined the Sydney Striders running club.

It was there she forged a close friendship with Carol and the pair ran many races together until Carol headed back to resettle in her native New Zealand two years ago. 

Gillian Klevansky (right) with her friend Carol Taylor.

Relishing the prospect of hooking up with an old friend, she admits she is also very excited to take on the half-marathon challenge in Rotorua.

“The race looks absolutely spectacular with lots of trails in the bush. I’m very excited to take on a marathon over here. 

“Last weekend I ran the Canberra Half Marathon, so I’m still a little tired from that. I’m just hoping to enjoy the nature of New Zealand and to finish in Rotorua.”

So would she encourage other Aussies to join her on her New Zealand quest?

“I think we all have to think positively and it will be a wonderful and unforgettable experience. It is nice to be given the option to travel again.”