Kyneton ultramarathon runner Greg Wilson has finished fifth in the Australian Six Day Ultra Marathon Championship and achieved a new M70 record.
The event was held at Thorndon Park, South Australia, from September 29 to October 4, and is one of the toughest challenges Wilson has faced as an M70.
While he had several ideal scenarios in mind, Wilson’s first goal was simply to complete the six-day event – a gruelling challenge for the mind and body in itself.
“Having withdrawn on day one of two previous attempts at events of this duration (30 years a part) the prime goal was to make it into day two,” he said.
“After that, persevering until the finish, so that the experience will never need to be repeated.”
Of course, he also couldn’t resist eyeing Cliff Young’s earlier records.
“The theoretical goal was breaking Cliff Young’s 30-year-old records for 500kms and six days, however, common sense says it cannot be done on a 1425 mete undulating concrete loop with 6000 metres of climbing over the full duration,” Wilson said.
The field consisted 44 starters, from course record-holder Darren Linney to 85-year-old Japanese runner Norio Ito. Most were there to test their personal limits.
Greg’s ambitious schedule for day one was 135kms and with only three hours off the track (to eat, drink, sleep, toilet) this was exceeded. His progress continued in this vein for another eight hours before ‘plan B’ had to be executed.
A pre-existing thigh injury flared up and continuing to run would risk being forced to pull out. With more than four and a half days remaining, it was mentally tough to fathom that further duration of walking and the incentive of Cliffy’s records now removed.
However, a brief period of running managed and 72 hours was reached with 315kms covered.
This feat added 40kms to the M70 Australian record and is the fifth best distance achieved in the world (all time).
As the days continued, the difficulties magnified, including heat, blisters, foot pain, exhaustion, nausea, gastric reflux, and straying mental focus. Wilson day five saw extreme discomfort and was difficult for him to continue.
“On the final evening it was an achievement to reach 500kms. Only iron determination allowed continuation in the event,” he said.
“Victory is in being strong enough to see it through no matter what is thrown at you.
“Coming fifth in the Australian Six Day Championship with a total of 532.1 kilometres at age 72 is an achievement to be proud of, remembered but never, ever repeated.”