After cancer, grief and double knee replacements, David Hughes discovered it was never too late to start again.
Australians are lacing up their runners in record numbers and according to marathon legend and coach Ben Lucas, one of the biggest surprises is who is joining the movement.
“It’s not just younger people chasing personal bests,” Lucas said.
“I see people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s achieving things they never thought possible. The biggest misconception is that they’re too old to start.”
Lucas, who recently completed his 50th marathon and serves as head coach for the TCS Sydney Marathon and Real Insurance Harbour 10, believes running’s appeal lies in its simplicity.
“People are living longer and want to maintain their independence, health and quality of life,” he said.
“Running provides physical benefits, but it also gives people confidence, community and a sense of achievement.”
If anyone embodies that philosophy, it’s 70-year-old David Hughes.
Eight years ago, Hughes weighed 110 kilograms, had recently undergone treatment for stage-three melanoma and struggled to run 100 metres.
Today, he has completed seven marathons, three ultra marathons and is preparing for one of the world’s most demanding trail-running events.
Hughes was 62 when he decided to see if he could run 100 metres.
At the time, he weighed 110kg, was completely out of shape and had recently undergone surgery and radiotherapy for stage-three melanoma.
“I huffed and puffed for the two minutes it took to run the 100 metres and decided it wasn’t for me,” he said.
But something changed and the reality of his cancer diagnosis had forced him to think differently about the years ahead.
“Life should not be taken for granted,” he said.
He tried again, and this time he managed 200m.
Soon after, he signed up for his local 5km Parkrun. More than a decade later, Hughes has completed almost 200 Parkruns, seven marathons and three ultra marathons covering 50km.
For Hughes, the rewards have extended far beyond fitness. Running introduced him to a community that has become one of the most important parts of his life.
“The camaraderie with other runners is second to none,” he said.
“As running spans all ages, I found myself buddies with runners of all ages. We all have something in common.”
His local club, Forster Runners, became an invaluable support network, particularly after the recent loss of his wife.
“The support of the club has been wonderful. I can’t imagine life without running,” he said.
“Those who come last receive more accolades than the winners. They run the same distance but are out there longer and hurting just as much, if not more.”\
Check out Running In Your 60s, Is It A Good Idea?
There was another challenge waiting.
When Hughes was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both knees and told he needed a double knee replacement, many would have assumed his running days were over.
His surgeon certainly did, but Hughes had other ideas.
“I was determined not to let this define me,” he said.
Six months after bilateral knee replacement surgery, he completed his first half-marathon. Fifteen months later, he tackled a 50km ultra marathon in the Blue Mountains and won his age group.
That performance earned him a place in one of the world’s most prestigious trail-running events — the Ultra Trail Mont Blanc in the French and Swiss Alps.
The race covers 60km and more than 3500m of elevation.
“I’m scared to do it,” Hughes said.
“But on the other hand, I’m scared to miss this opportunity of a lifetime.”
According to running coach and Real Insurance Harbour 10 ambassador Ben Lucas, Hughes’ story is a powerful example of what can be achieved later in life.
“The biggest misconception is that they’re too old to start, and I see people in their 60s, 70s and even 80s achieving things they never thought possible,” Lucas said.
He believes the body remains remarkably adaptable when training is approached sensibly, regardless of age. Across Australia, more older people are discovering the benefits of running. Among them is 80-year-old Anne Boyd, who only started running at 68 and has since completed 22 marathons. Her ambitious goal is to complete a marathon at the age of 104.
For Hughes, the lesson is simple.
At 70, he is chasing a dream of completing the world’s major marathons across five countries. Whether he achieves every goal no longer seems to matter as much as the fact he had the courage to begin.
“I won’t die wondering,” he said. “I’m just an ordinary guy who decided to have a crack. So can you. You don’t have to be the best, just the best you can be.”
Find more information about upcoming Sydney events visit Real Insurance Harbour 10 and the TCS Sydney marathon
and the Real Insurance Harbour 10
Comments 0
Join the conversation. Comments are reviewed before they appear.
Be the first to comment.
Join the conversation
Tell us who you are to post a comment. We'll remember you next time.