How Hongkonger Trilby White overcame TB and took part in women-only race in Tehran

Veterinary manager and mother of two talks about taking part in a women-only 10km race in Iran, her first event since overcoming tuberculosis after a two-year battle

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Trilby White went to Tehran to run a marathon, but was told that women were only allowed to participate in the 10km race.

Published: 12:45pm, 22 Apr 2017Updated: 4:53pm, 4 May 2017

Hong Kong Australian Trilby White, 39, has just returned from Tehran, where she ran a first-of-its-kind all-female race. It was her first event since recently overcoming a two-year battle with tuberculosis, which has caused her permanent lung damage and saw her spend nearly a month in strict isolation.

Yet today she looks the picture of health – and not only is she back on track with her training, she’s also a busy mother of two and veterinary practice manager at East Island Animal Hospital in Shau Kei Wan, where she oversees five animal health companies and 50-odd staff.

Trilby White trains in Sai Wan Ho. Photo: Xiaomei Chen

What first got you into running?

I started in triathlon after my first daughter was born. My husband [ultrarunner and fellow vet David Gething] and I both decided it was time to get fit. I did triathlon for a few years and a couple of half Ironman races, and aimed for an Ironman, but I just couldn’t manage the training and working and being a mother. I got too exhausted.

I started to focus on running as it’s so much more versatile. I actually like cycling more, but you can’t go out cycling here in the middle of the day – you’d get killed on the roads. I love that you can run anywhere, and you don’t need much equipment. As long as you remember your running shoes you’re OK.

You have two young children, and you work full-time: how do you find the time to fit training into your day?

It’s always a struggle – particularly for working mothers in Hong Kong with the hours that we’re expected to work – because you’re trying to fit in your children’s needs and your own needs. You don’t want to miss dinner or bedtime because you’re out training. So I usually train at lunchtime on the Sai Wan Ho promenade because it gives me a great break in the middle of the day. Now the weather is warming up, I try to fit it in just before or after work.