From Hating Running to 111 Half Marathons: Martin Cansell's Inspiring Journey
The second annual Run Wollongong festival drew thousands of participants to the Illawarra region on a stunning Saturday morning, featuring races across five distances including full and half marathons. Among the enthusiastic runners was 59-year-old Martin Cansell, who marked an impressive milestone by completing his 111th half marathon since beginning his running journey 15 years ago.
A Late Start to a Lifelong Passion
At the age of 45, Martin Cansell realised he needed a significant lifestyle change. Initially joining a gym and then a run club, he admitted to hating running at first. However, through persistence and routine, he gradually developed a deep passion for the sport. "They had a run group at the gym so I went along and hated it initially, but then gradually kept with it," Cansell recalled. "I started to fall in love with the half marathon distance so that became my goal, to clock up a few."
His dedication has led to not only 111 half marathons but also three full marathons, including one in London, and over 200 Park Runs, with a target of 250 later this year. Cansell emphasised that his journey was not just about physical fitness but also mental well-being and community connections.
Running for a Cause and Community
A few years into his running endeavours, Cansell's mother was diagnosed with cancer. After her passing, he trained for the London Marathon in her honour, raising funds for cancer research. He surpassed his $3000 target, collecting $7000 with the support of his crew, and completed the race in just over 4.5 hours.
Now a resident of Sutherland, Cansell holds the Wollongong and Shellharbour running festivals among his favourites worldwide. He praised the regional feel of these events, contrasting them with larger city marathons. "I do find the city ones are a sort of hassle, whereas the regional ones, you feel like you're giving something back to the towns as well, and you get to see new places," he explained. "I just like getting out to the regional areas, supporting them and I find it's a bit less stressful on race day."
Transformation and Advice for Others
When Cansell started his fitness journey in 2011, he was overweight and unfit, weighing nearly 100 kg. Through running and dietary changes, he has since reduced his weight to about 82 kg. He highlighted the mental health benefits of running, noting that he prefers to run without music to clear his mind and solve problems.
As he approaches his 60th birthday on May 6, which will move him up to a new racing age group in 2027, Cansell reflected on his progress. He finished 20th in the 45-49 years division at Run Wollongong with a time of 1:53.05, expressing satisfaction with his performance.
Offering advice to others, Cansell encouraged people to start their own fitness journeys, regardless of age. "Running 100 half marathons is easy. It's starting that's the hardest part, but there's no such thing as too late," he said. He recommended Parkrun as a free, community-focused activity that welcomes both walkers and runners, emphasising its benefits beyond physical health.
Martin Cansell's story serves as a powerful reminder that it's never too late to embrace a healthier lifestyle and find joy in unexpected places. His achievements inspire others to take that first step towards their own goals.
