A YEAR ago, Launceston Athletic Club runner David Thomas encouraged his mum Susan to enter the Lilydale Lope to help her prepare for the Gold Coast marathon. The 46-year-old reluctantly agreed but will return to the scenic, hilly 16.6km event next month as reigning champion. "I did not really want to do it but ran really well and enjoyed it," said Thomas, who won the women's event in 1hr13min19sec."There is just something totally different about this event."However, at yesterday's event launch in Launceston, Thomas was playing down her chances of another win."Because it is a handicapped event I've been put right back in the field so I've got little chance of defending my title but just wanted to try and beat my time," she said.Helping to launch the popular annual event, Mayor Albert van Zetten said Launceston City Council is interested in promoting health and fitness."We know that having people involved in athletics or any sport helps their fitness and also the community in general because this results in less people needing to go into hospital or see doctors," he said.Run by North Launceston Athletic Club in conjunction with LAC, the event is in its 35th year, having been instigated by Brian Baxter in 1974.It has only seen four male record holders in its lengthy history, with the men's and women's records set by Launceston husband and wife Kim (53:17) and Jenny Gillard (63:26) in 2006.