Mordialloc ultra runner gears up for charity marathon journey around backyard
A devoted dad who planned to run 20 marathons in 2020 for the Royal Children’s Hospital hasn’t let lockdown laws get in his way. And his next 42.195 kilometres – number six on the list – will have a very special cheer leader.
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Melburnians looking for things to do while staying at home during the coronavirus lockdown could take a leaf out of Mordialloc man Jim Poussard’s book.
The super-fit ultra runner has transformed his property into a stage for a marathon, dotting cones around his Treeby Blvd property as he gears up to raise money in a special Good Friday run for the Royal Children’s Hospital.
And the cause is close to the Bayside Run Coaching trainer’s heart, as his youngest daughter Georgia underwent urgent heart surgery to treat a blocked artery at the Royal Children’s Hospital at just nine days old.
Mr Poussard — who set off on a New Year’s mission to clock 20 marathons in 2020 to raise money for the hospital — didn’t think his sixth marathon of the year would be in his backyard, but improvised due to strict coronavirus lockdown laws.
“I saw other ultra runners online doing 100 kilometres around their house and on their balconies … it’s crazy stuff,” he told the Leader.
“I guess at this stage all official events are cancelled, but I’m trying to work out how I can make it happen.”
Mr Poussard said the 100 metre loop would be more likely to take a toll on his body compared to a regular running track due to its short distance, steep driveway and sharp corners.
And with each lap, Mr Poussard said he will remember the hard working Royal Children’s Hospital surgical team and nurses who saved Georgia, now nine, who suffered from a blocked artery at just nine days old.
“It was a pretty touchy time for a little while, but now Georgia is fine,” Mr Poussard said.
“The main reason I am doing these runs is to raise funds for the hospital.
“I want to continue to give back to the hospital, (particularly after) the Run for the Kids and main telethon was cancelled.”
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Mr Poussard is anticipating to clock each lap of the 42 kilometre stretch in around one minute, providing updates and taking a break via Facebook live each hour.
He’ll be watched on by his doting daughters Georgia, Emma, 12, Samantha, 14, wife Suzan, and — physically distant — neighbours.
“It’s a very different concept running around a house … from what I’ve heard from others it’s mentally tough to do,” he said.
“But its fun to do something different.
“I hope a few people walk past and say hi.”
Tune in to Jim’s Good Friday run here and to donate, click here.