From novice to marathon man
JAMES Dunstan says he knew “absolutely nothing about running” before his first race, but he’s aiming for a personal best time in tomorrow’s marathon at the Townsville Running Festival.
The Townsville local started out in the 10km event back in 2012, taking on longer events each year, and is preparing to challenge himself with the gruelling 42.2km race for the fourth time.
Dunstan shaved more than 20 minutes off his PB at the Gold Coast Marathon this month, finishing in 3 hours, 13 minutes, and he was keen to match that effort in his hometown event.
“I’m hoping I can replicate that up here in Townsville, but Townsville’s a bit of a different course. It’s a bit more humid and a bit warmer,” he said.
“I’m setting my watch for 3 hours 10 and seeing if I can beat that.
“My ultimate goal next year is to get sub three hours and then go over to Boston for the marathon.”
Dunstan said Townsville’s balmy conditions make the race even tougher, but he was confident he was prepared after a strict training program focused on the Running Festival.
“After my first race I was shaking all night because I didn’t have enough electrolytes and that’s pretty much what made me fall in love with running,” he said.
“As weird as it sounds, I realised it was more than just getting up and going for a run. There’s a whole lot to it and a huge training aspect behind it.
“I know how my body works and I know what I need to do. It’s not just the running, it’s the whole preparation starting from months ago.
“By the time the day comes you know you’ve given it your all.”
Dunstan is a regular with the Townsville Road Runners and he said the social aspect of running was a big part of the appeal which kept pushing him to take on more events.
“Just the amount of smiles and the welcome you get from those people makes it all worthwhile and makes you want to go back again and beat your PB,” he said.
This year’s Running Festival, starting and finishing at Jezzine Barracks, also includes a large field of entrants in the 10km classic, along with the 5km junior fun run, half marathon, and 2.5km hero fun run.