Our Team

I’ve always been a keen sportsman, runner and an avid traveller. Having the opportunity to share these passions as Managing Director and Owner of Marathon Tours is something I am very grateful for.

My 30 years of experience working in various aspects of the travel industry has given me incredible travel opportunities and experiences which I use to benefit both our organisation and our clients.

In terms of my running milestones, I am definitely a social runner, however I have completed a number of marathons locally and overseas. I have gained my 6-star medal, running the 6 Abbotts World Marathon Majors. Additionally, other notable events include, the Antarctica Marathon, Big Five Marathon in South Africa, The Great Wall Half, and the Rotorua Marathon many (many!) years ago.

Combining a love of travel and being part of incredible international events like, New York, Boston or Antarctica, is a dream coming true. It’s also what make our job such a privilege, as we love being able to see our clients get to experience something so special.

You read about these events and hear stories from people who have done it before; but until you line up on that starting line yourself, nothing prepares you for the excitement and buzz you get from being part of the action!

After achieving running the 6 World Marathon Majors, Sydney was announced as the 7th World Marathon Major. So, Sydney is now in my sights. Additionally, I am on my journey to join the Seven Continents Club by completing one marathon on each of the 7 continents. I have completed 6 out of 7, with me 7th being Rio de Janeiro, June 2025.

With 15 years of experience as a travel agent, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients explore the world and create unforgettable experiences. Recently, I took on a new challenge and ran my first marathon in New York City, after completing the Mount Maunganui and Whangamata Half Marathons. While I’m still a beginner in the world of running, I’ve quickly fallen in love with the sport – and the incredible energy it brings.

The buzz of the crowds, the roar of support from spectators, and the exhilarating atmosphere of race day in NYC were unforgettable. As someone who is just starting to embrace running, I know how powerful it is to experience these events firsthand, whether you’re pushing yourself for the first time or seeking your next big race.

I’m excited to help you plan the perfect race-cation, combining your love of running with the thrill of exploring new destinations. Let me help you make your marathon dream into a reality, with expert advice, local insights, and the support you need to make your race experience extraordinary.

I am the youngest daughter of a third-generation Waikato farming family, and now mother to three beautiful teenage daughters and living in rural Waikato with my husband.

After completing studies based in the Hotel industry, I departed our fair shores to see the world and worked in Europe as a Nanny in Scotland, Chef in Greece, Barmaid in London, Hotel receptionist in London, Farmhand in Scottish Highlands, and Tour guide all over Europe.  What an adventure I had, but home called and after four years away, and I made my way back.

I ended up working as a Corporate travel consultant upon my return living in Auckland for a few years, and then returned to the Waikato where I started with Calder & Lawson Travel in the year 2000.  Well 21 years later, I am still here, and I have enjoyed a very varied career working with Corporate, Groups, Tour Design, and assisting the Marathon Tours department for the last 5 years.

Now I don’t profess to be a runner, but I am an avid walker and can often be seen doing the fun run, shorter events on our escorted tours along with my trusty SLR camera getting those candid shots on the course.  I have met so many amazing people on these trips and really love hearing about their life stories, motivations for running, and incredible achievements.

I was under the impression when I started working for Marathon tours that only runners participated in these trips, but boy was I wrong!  I have been absolutely awed by people of every size, age, and experience complete these events in whatever way they can, and when they travel with us there is a whole team cheering for them at the finish.

The training may be quite solitary for some, but when it comes to race day you are part of a team of thousands!

I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world since a young age, which has fostered a love and passion for travel. I have run the Boston Marathon, the Africa Big 5 Half-Marathon, the Mount Maunganui Half-Marathon and the Kinloch Half-Marathon. All these events although different in scale, were equally fulfilling to complete and has motivated me to continue to run more events.

I have recently joined the Marathon Tours team, working in marketing, social media and sales.