Exceptional in endurance

THE arduous task of running a marathon is often a feat for only a select few, but at 64 Paul Crouch- Chivers is proving anyone can run with the best of them.

Step by step the Gatton doctor and Laidley resident has pushed his body to its limits running across Australia and the world, competing against the best in a number of marathons and ultra marathons.

Dr Crouch-Chivers began running in marathons at the age of 41 and over the years has clocked up thousands of kilometres on the bitumen.

He has completed more than 100 combined marathons and ultra marathons, reaching the milestone in the Barossa Valley, South Australia last week.

Preparing to compete in his 13th Gold Coast Airport Marathon at the end of the month, Dr Crouch-Chivers said he was also fast closing in on his personal goal to join the 100 marathon club.

"I have seven more to go until I reach 100 marathons which will be 107 marathons and ultra marathons combined," he said.

A veteran of the sport, Dr Crouch-Chivers said it was not all about winning the race, rather the self satisfaction from completing one, along with meeting new faces and enjoying the sights.

"You don't do it to win, you do it because you want to complete the marathon race," he said.

"I've never considered that I wouldn't get to the end but it's always great to see the finish line.

"You meet some great people in the towns and see some great parts of the country you wouldn't normally get to see."

Dr Crouch-Chivers said he was looking forward to pushing himself on the Gold Coast later in the month and was gearing up to race in his 100th marathon in Melbourne in October this year.

"The Gold Coast marathon is one of the biggest marathons in Australia with more than 1500 entrants in the marathon event."

Along with completing marathons in every state in the country, Dr Crouch- Chivers said he has also competed in races in the UK, Europe, Africa, America and the Pacific.