Looking for inspiration to kick-start 2023?

Andrew recently ran the New York City Marathon - the largest marathon in the world and one of the most grueling. The New York City Marathon is a long-standing annual event established to inspire people through running whilst simultaneously raising money for a number of charities. 

Prior to participating in the New York City Marathon, Andrew was a keen hiker who participated in long distance Oxfam charity walks, but never in a competitive marathon. 

This year’s marathon took place on the 6th of November and attracted 47,839 runners as they completed a 42.2 km course through the five boroughs of New York City. 

Andrew became inspired to run when a friend who manages the Little Heroes Foundation organised a team in association with Adventure Time Travel to represent the children’s foundation in New York and raise money for research into childhood dementia. That friend happens to be Chris McDermott – former captain of the Adelaide Crows who also bought along two other Australian Football League players - Kane Cornes and Jack Trengove of Port Adelaide as part of the group. 

Joining Jack was his sister, Olympian and Commonwealth Games champion Jessica Trengove, who with her impressive background made everyone on the team proud when she claimed 9th place in the women’s marathon race, demonstrating the caliber of runners present from a whopping 131 countries. 

Andrew’s work was cut out for him to keep up with these elite and professional athletes! But what needs to be highlighted in this story at this point is Andrew’s age…… DRUM ROLL PLEASE….. he is (almost) 60 years old!!! 

So how does one keep up with elite athletes at the age of 60?

Andrew said his real physical fitness journey began with a turning point in his life 12 years ago where, as some of you may remember, Andrew was whisked away from the office in an ambulance. 

This turning point in Andrew’s life saw him commence a journey where he lost 60 kilograms, and became an active walker to improve his health and fitness.

To get into shape, Andrew’s training regime in the lead up to the race consisted of a ‘slow but consistent and steady climb upwards’, with intensity ramping right up around the 9 months mark, prior to the big day. 

“I have not really run for 40 years,” said Andrew. 

Andrew did many short, middle distance and long-distance runs, at least five times a week, which involved getting up anywhere between 4.30 and 7.00 AM, and running 5-10-20 kms in the morning before work, and 20-35 kms on the weekends. 

After close to a years’ worth of training, Andrew’s team of 42 participants travelled to New York City, along with a large support group of partners and fans, with Andrew’s biggest fan his wife Tina cheering him on from the sidelines for the duration of the race which took 4:27:13 to complete finishing 17,942 out of 47,839 runners.

“It was amazing I felt like a rock star for the day,” said Andrew. “New Yorkers don’t hold back so we had 2 million people cheering us on from the sidelines as we ran alongside with 50,000 other people. People would look for our name tags and cheer us on personally.” 

Would he run the NYC marathon again? 

“Yes definitely! You can do anything at any age if you put your mind to it – there is no barrier,” said Andrew.   

For his efforts, Andrew raised $3000 and created memories that will last him a lifetime.

For now, Andrew is turning his sights to a local event which aims to maintain his fitness in preparedness for his next big international marathon. 

Thank you Andrew, for sharing your truly inspiring story with the Ultradata community, and we look forward to following your journey with you.