August 14

Gary's love of running commenced when he was in his mid-20s. In an effort to keep his weight down (can you believe it?) he took up running, which he really enjoyed. Commencing with cross-country and track, Gary ran at many events throughout Victoria including at Stawell.

After relocating to Queensland, Gary began marathon running. However in March 1986, he was run over during a race and hospitalised for many months. Gary was advised that he would probably never run again, but in true Gary spirit, he proved the doctors wrong and started running again, initially running with the use of crutches, wearing out many pairs of crutches in the process!

Well on the road to recovery, Gary started long-distance running in 1987 – beginning with 12-hour runs, then 24-hour, then 48-hour runs. In 1994, he broke the world record for a 1000-mile race. In 1996, he was challenged by a number of overseas runners to compete in Australia. Gary went on to win this 1000-mile race, breaking his own world record!

In 1997, Gary had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Sri Chinmoy in New York, while running there.

Motivated by his 1000-mile race successes, Gary commenced the run of a lifetime, leaving Brisbane on Anzac Day 1999 in an attempt to break the Word Long Continuous Run Record of 17,071 km. The run, which started as a dream for Gary, raised thousands of dollars for Legacy. With his wife, Sharon by his side providing constant support, Gary averaged 72.4 kilometres a day until he broke the record and wore out a dozen pairs of running shoes during the ultra-marathon run! During the run, Gary was pleased to have the support of Sri Chinmoy, receiving many inspirational messages along the way. Arriving back in Brisbane on Australia Day 2000, the 274-day trek around the country clocked up an incredible 19.030 kilometres.

Gary has also been responsible for the founding of the Caboolture Road Runners and is still a member today.