A SPECIAL girl's legacy will be the difference in getting an inspired Wagga contingent over the line in their impending half marathon.
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Nine Wagga girls, Lucy Musgrave, Lily Campbell, Tilly Taggart, Zara Hartwig, Tessa Cowley, Greta Virgona, Steph Lane, Claudia Lieschke and Imogen Scott, will complete the event during the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on Sunday, September 21, in memory of Courtney Musgrave.
A popular Wagga girl, Courtney was attending university in Sydney when she passed away in tragic circumstances earlier this year at just 18 years old.
The sweet-natured and caring young woman was not only well-known for her love of volunteering and helping others, but for her passion for running and living a healthy lifestyle.
Driven to challenge herself, Courtney had been hard-at-work training to tackle the half marathon at the time of her passing.
In the months since her death, the group – including Courtney's sister Lucy, cousin Claudia and her father Simon – committed to completing the arduous run on her behalf.
Speaking to The Daily Advertiser from Sydney, where she attends boarding school, Lucy said her sister's positive influence and contagious determination was helping her mentally and physically prepare for the run.
"I want to make sure my sister knows that she has inspired me, and put my mindset in a good place," Lucy said.
"She always told me I could do anything that I wanted; that's what I will carry with me when I run."
Lucy believes Courtney would be "so proud" of what her beloved family and friends have achieved by fulfilling her goal.
"I know Courtney would be so thankful to know that we are completing this run; she always wanted to run the marathon," Lucy said.
"Unfortunately, she never got the chance.
"For her to know that people so close to her – including all her best friends – are completing this for her... she would be grateful."
Courtney's proud supporters have joined the Black Dog Institute's Sydney Running Festival team in an effort to raise funds for a cause that was close to Courtney's heart.
The Black Dog Institute is a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.
"Courtney was always an extremely caring person who wanted to help everyone fulfill their dreams," Lucy said.
"She was so passionate about doing this run and fundraising at the same time."
Completing the run will be an empowering and significant moment for Claudia, who credits her cousin for giving her the motivation to "do something she never dreamed she could do".
"Up until I decided to participate in the marathon for Court, I couldn't run more than two kilometres," Claudia said.
"I wouldn't say I am ready now, but I guess I am as ready as I will ever be.
"Hopefully the excitement of the day will make it a lot easier.
"It has been tough but I have been so determined to do the best I can to make Court proud."
Members of the community can get behind the group's fundraising efforts by clicking HERE and following the links to any of the 10 member's fundraising pages.