For many, a short jog around the block is enough to call it a day, but for UNE’s Mark McClelland, a 50-kilometre run through rugged bushland is more his style.
“What started as simply putting one foot in front of the other has evolved into something I never really expected: ultra-running,” says the carpenter from the Estate and Built Environment (EBE) team.
Having worked at UNE for the past five years, Mark has found the interactions and friendships forged through work to be the highlight of his time.
“My job is hands-on, practical and often physically demanding, and there’s always something that needs fixing, building or improving,” he says.
“What I have enjoyed about my role has been the interaction with people, both in different departments and within my own.”
With an idea to expand these interactions, the UNE Social Running Group was born.
The group meets each week on campus to hit the pavement and catch up with colleagues, and it is this social element that has helped Mark continue to push his limits.
“With great people around me, over the years I’ve gradually pushed the distances further.”
This Sunday, 20 September, Mark will tackle the terrain of Mt Duval in the 50-kilometre Hendo Hustle as part of the annual Duval Dam Buster event.
“I really look forward to it each year, not only because it’s in our own backyard, but because of the time and effort that the organisers put in year after year to make it such an amazing event,” he says.
“Starting off with shorter distances over the years at the Dam Buster, I am now running my second Hendo Hustle 50k, and I’m ready to go.”
Mark is feeling confident ahead of this year’s race and says working as a carpenter for the last 35 years has set him up for success.
“It’s given me a strong appreciation for hard work, and ultra-running has reinforced that mindset. Both require preparation, patience and the willingness to keep going when things don’t go exactly to plan.”
For those wanting to follow in Mark’s footsteps, he has some sage advice.
“Running isn’t really about avoiding those difficult moments; it’s about learning how to deal with them.”
If you’d like to support Mark and the rest of the UNE community competing in the Duval Dam Buster, the event will take place from 6:30am at Dumaresq Dam Recreation Area.
Event organisers also urgently need volunteers to help support runners at the DDB this year.
By volunteering you can help the DDB team make this year’s trail run an unforgettable experience for everyone!
