BENDIGO teen Maddy Evely says she is proud of her achievements after competing in her first full marathon earlier this month.
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Evely ran in the Gold Coast Airport Marathon, finishing in a time of 3 hours, 45 minutes and 49 seconds.
She finished the marathon in 22nd position in the 18 to 24 years category.
She said the weather and humidity was a huge factor in the second part of the 42km race.
"The race started to get very challenging around the 34km mark, where it went from being physically hard, to both physically and mentally challenging," Evely said.
"I was lucky enough to have my father Andrew, run beside me for the last few kilometers.
"I honestly believe I wouldn't have gotten through those last few kilometers without him."
Evely said despite the challenge, competing and finishing the marathon was an incredible moment.
"It was my first marathon and I really just didn't know what to expect," she said.
"It became one of the best days of my life, the experience was just absolutely incredible."
As well as racing in the marathon, Evely was raising money, through various community events, to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis, a disease that has affected a loved one.
She surpassed her fundraising goal, raising a total of $4103.25.
The money raised will be donated to MS Australia.