Paul's quest for marathon milestone becomes reality
THE personal goal of completing a marathon is for many a challenge in itself, yet alone the daunting thought of finishing 100 of them.
But for Gatton doctor Paul Crouch-Chivers, this was a milestone that became a reality in Melbourne earlier this month.
After a two decade journey, spanning across the globe, Crouch-Chivers crossed the line to complete his landmark 100th marathon at the Melbourne Marathon Festival on October 14.
Not only did the result fulfil a personal goal but landed the keen runner a special place alongside 48 others in the exclusive Australian 100 Marathon Club.
Crouch-Chivers said he was ecstatic to reach the milestone and to become a part of the esteemed marathon club.
"It was just a great feeling running into the stadium and to see the finish line of 100 marathons," he said.
"I never planned to do 100 until I did my 50th in London in 2004.
"After 70 it became a reality that I would reach 100.
"It's one of those things where you fix your goal on an event and work towards it."
Crouch-Chivers journey first began 24 years ago when he entered the London Marathon and has since taken him across Australia and the world competing in a range of challenging races.
Crouch-Chivers is also the only person ever to have run a marathon in each Australian state twice.
Reaching the milestone century mark, Crouch-Chivers said he would continue running well into the future and encouraged people to not give up on their goals.
"I will continue to run marathons as long as I can, (however) they won't be fast and won't be pretty," he said.
"I think the most important thing to highlight is that I'm not an athlete.
"If you put your mind to it, you will succeed."
