The Legend of Cliff Young: The 61 Year Old Farmer Who Won the World’s Toughest Race
The legendary story of Cliff Young is already known to many runners. If you're aren't familiar with it, you're in for a fascinating read.
An Unlikely Competitor
Cliff Young
Every year, Australia hosts 543.7-mile (875-kilometer) endurance racing from Sydney to Melbourne. It is considered among the world's most grueling ultra-marathons. The race takes five days to complete and is normally only attempted by world-class athletes who train specially for the event. These athletes are typically less than 30 years old and backed by large companies such as Nike.
In 1983, a man named Cliff Young showed up at the start of this race. Cliff was 61 years old and wore overalls and work boots. To everyone's shock, Cliff wasn't a spectator. He picked up his race number and joined the other runners.
The press and other athletes became curious and questioned Cliff. They told him, "You're crazy, there's no way you can finish this race." To which he replied, "Yes I can. See, I grew up on a farm where we couldn't afford horses or tractors, and the whole time I was growing up, whenever the storms would roll in, I'd have to go out and round up the sheep. We had 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I'd always catch them. I believe I can run this race."
When the race started, the pros quickly left Cliff behind. The crowds and television audience were entertained because Cliff didn't even run properly; he appeared to shuffle. Many even feared for the old farmer's safety.
The Tortoise and the Hare
Cliff Young
All of the professional athletes knew that it took about 5 days to finish the race. In order to compete, one had to run about 18 hours a day and sleep the remaining 6 hours. The thing is, Cliff Young didn't know that!
When the morning of the second day came, everyone was in for another surprise. Not only was Cliff still in the race, he had continued jogging all night.
Eventually Cliff was asked about his tactics for the rest of the race. To everyone's disbelief, he claimed he would run straight through to the finish without sleeping.
Cliff kept running. Each night he came a little closer to the leading pack. By the final night, he had surpassed all of the young, world-class athletes. He was the first competitor to cross the finish line and he set a new course record.
When Cliff was awarded the winning prize of $10,000, he said he didn't know there was a prize and insisted that he did not enter for the money. He ended up giving all of his winnings to several other runners, an act that endeared him to all of Australia.
Continued Inspiration
In the following year, Cliff entered the same race and took 7th place. Not even a displaced hip during the race stopped him.
Cliff came to prominence again in 1997, aged 76, when he attempted to raise money for homeless children by running around Australia's border. He completed 6,520 kilometers of the 16,000-kilometer run before he had to pull out because his only crew member became ill. Cliff Young passed away in 2003 at age 81.
Today, the "Young-shuffle" has been adopted by ultra-marathon runners because it is considered more energy-efficient. At least three champions of the Sydney to Melbourne race have used the shuffle to win the race. Furthermore, during the Sydney to Melbourne race, modern competitors do not sleep. Winning the race requires runners to go all night as well as all day, just like Cliff Young.
December 31, 2007
8:46 PM
these are the real heros of this world
January 1, 2008
12:24 AM
This guy lived not far from where I live and often ran in the Colac 6 day race. This article though explains to me why the papers kept calling him a ‘local legend’.
January 1, 2008
12:02 PM
Now thats what i call real inspiration.
January 1, 2008
9:42 PM
Incredibly inspiring story! The stuff people of character are made of! My son, Hansel,(age 14) sent me this story because he liked it. Cliff Young’s legacy goes on!
January 5, 2008
1:57 PM
What spirit. Just goes to show it really isn’t about the fancy name brand running gear.
January 7, 2008
10:20 AM
For ultra-marathons, youth is not necessarily beneficial. Endurance doesn’t decrease with age the same way power does (which is why marathon runners are in their late 20s or early 30s, but sprinters are in their early 20s). Ultra-long distance runners benefit from having extra years to train, hence they can peak in their 30s or later.
Also, the people racing these races are generally not the same type of professional athletes you see run the marathon in the Olympics. The sport is less well-known, and it’s much harder to make a career being a pro ultra-distance runner, so consequently the standards are not the same as marathon standards since there are fewer people. I’m not saying these aren’t incredible athletes, but I’m saying that you can’t compare them to the top runners in the world (the ones you see win marathons).
January 7, 2008
9:42 AM
I’d love to know what kind of workboots he wore! I’m sure their manufacturer would too.
January 7, 2008
3:49 PM
What an amazing story. I think it is movie-worthy.
January 7, 2008
1:12 PM
That is nuts.
January 7, 2008
6:07 PM
What a fantastic tale!
I enjoyed reading about Mr. Young, thank you.
January 7, 2008
7:56 PM
Dare to be different. Respect.
January 8, 2008
12:35 AM
omg….i dunno there’s such an event, and such a strong old man running hundreds of Kms…
January 8, 2008
4:22 AM
i’m 68 and going to get me some running shoes
January 8, 2008
4:40 AM
He gave his prizes to people he thought were worse off than himself.Those examples of self-sacrifice are what real tough men are made of. Brilliant story!!
Mat Wilson, Newcastle, England
January 8, 2008
1:32 PM
Amazing! He didn’t know he wouldn’t be able to do it, so he did it!
January 8, 2008
8:06 PM
Amazing, extraordinary & superb indeed…better than Forrest Gump, for sure! Hollywood must produce a film about this legendary guy, so it can inspire the whole world and not only Australia.
May 31, 2008
3:08 PM
this i amazing i hope to be as physically strong as he is at the age 61 he is a great inspiration i’m going to climb mount everest because of him =)
May 31, 2008
5:08 PM
Aussies are hardcore, that’s for damn sure. Wow, this guy was not only a world class runner at 61, he was a gentleman. Giving the money away and trying to raise money for homeless children.
If the world had even one more person like this think about how much more could be accomplished. Truly inspiring.
June 20, 2008
4:21 AM
As a distance runner myself I know that 90% of the battle is with yourself, its mind over pain and boredom, this guy had the right attitude, I dont mind and this dosnt matter, pure inspiration to us all, he will be missed.
June 24, 2008
4:59 PM
where can we see video of his “shuffle”
sounds like an efficient way to travel.
July 24, 2008
3:08 PM
Dean Karnazes THe Marathon man dident start running untill he was 30 so age is not really a hendrance.
August 5, 2008
3:02 PM
I’ve just been to a company induction today and they used this amazing story to show what can be achieved if you are motivated. What a legend, what an amazing Guy.
Gareth Watford England
September 28, 2008
5:14 AM
Wow Amazing Man!!!
Mike USA
December 10, 2008
3:43 AM
Truly amazing to do this at all let alone at 61! And
win … lol … makes me proud to be Australian. You`ll
find a bit of Cliff in quite a lot of us Aussies … ; )
Flip
December 20, 2008
7:38 AM
He won it the first year it was held.
December 20, 2008
7:38 AM
The Westfield Sydney to Melbourne Ultra Marathon was an annual ultra-marathon foot race held between 1983 and 1991. The 875 kilometre (544 miles), five-day event was regarded as one of the toughest in the world. It was particularly notable for having been won in 1983 by an almost unknown, 61-year old sheep farmer Cliff Young. The final running of the event included prizemoney ($60,000 for first place), a handicapping system and a change to the course. It ceased being held when the major sponsor, Westfield Group, withdrew its support.
December 20, 2008
7:51 AM
The older people I have talked with, (some as old a 40) say things like, ooh I’m to old. This inspires me to rethink growing older. Thanks
December 20, 2008
8:10 AM
Amazing. It shows what can be achieved with commitment and determination.
December 20, 2008
8:19 AM
Really Amazing. Unbelievable hero.
December 20, 2008
12:29 PM
cliff deffinitely inspires anyone who is told that is not possible.
December 20, 2008
1:52 PM
he is such an inspiration to me
December 20, 2008
2:33 PM
This is begging to be made into a movie.
December 20, 2008
3:19 PM
I love this kind of news, if we reported more like this, perhaps our world would be a better place.
December 20, 2008
4:05 PM
If only this article will inspire people to stop reading articles about sport (in Australia) and actually participate in sport.
December 20, 2008
4:41 PM
real life forrest gump :)
December 20, 2008
5:48 PM
Makes ya think, just how pretty that last sheep was!
December 20, 2008
6:21 PM
Holy crap – Hollywood needs to make a movie from Cliff’s story! This would make a phenomenal and inspiring movie for sure.
December 20, 2008
9:37 PM
The stuff that dreams are made of. Well done Sir, you were a credit to the human race and an inspiration to everyone.
In a way I hope Hollywood doesn’t make a film out of this, they’ll only over dramatize it and cast it with big name actors and ruin the spirit of this achievement.
An Australian film house should shoot it in a distinctly Australian style with unknown Australian actors without ego’s. Low budget, raw & real – Australia produces excellent films like this – Swimming up stream, Lantana, Bootmen, the Dish etc… I’d pay to watch that film anyday.
December 20, 2008
10:41 PM
Footage of Cliff, apparently: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OD96zocXRU
December 20, 2008
11:03 PM
Amazing story, wow. Certainly inspiring :)
December 21, 2008
8:26 AM
I’m impressed. Myself can’t even walk more than 2 kilometres at once.
December 21, 2008
10:33 AM
…and I’m unable to stay awake for more than 48 hours…
December 21, 2008
11:17 PM
In response to J. Pindar, they were not workboots but gumboots (what the english call wellingtons), possibly the most uncomfortable things to run in ever.
December 21, 2008
11:31 PM
Truly inspiring – just turned the big 4-0 here in Canada, told my wife I was starting to feel my age, but according to guys like Cliff, age is not an obstacle! Thanks mate (wherever you may be, I’m sure it’s sunny!) for the inspiration! In a way, I have to agree with “Rod” about the movie concept – if Hollywood makes this into the “Inspirational, feel good movie for 2009″, it will fall out of context.
December 22, 2008
9:03 AM
Amazing story i realy impresed with the same and quite respect of the cliff to do something different
December 22, 2008
9:54 AM
Amazing story, wow. Certainly inspiring :))
December 22, 2008
11:19 AM
I’m impressed. Myself can’t even walk more than 2 kilometres at once..
December 22, 2008
1:18 PM
Crazy, he is the man. Thanks for writing this so people know about him and remember his good nature
December 22, 2008
1:51 PM
This truly an amazing story. The power of faith and endurance. Today in the world there is so little of this, maybe if we had more we all could live in peace.
December 22, 2008
2:17 PM
I was impressed when I read this,how sad he was not able to give conferences world wide after such adventure,he had a lot to teach,share and give.Thanks for sharing this with all of us,I live in Tampico,Mexico.
December 22, 2008
2:50 PM
Amazing, inspirational story. Thank you for sharing this story
December 22, 2008
3:10 PM
insprirational story .it shows that a anyone can do anything what he wants .
December 22, 2008
5:00 PM
Amazing story i realy impresed with the same and quite respect of the cliff to do something different..
December 22, 2008
7:12 PM
As I train for my upcoming first season of ultras. Way kewl!
December 22, 2008
9:11 PM
This is a great story to hear about at the eve of a new year. Rock on!
December 22, 2008
11:43 PM
This truely inspiring! Character lives forever!
December 23, 2008
1:23 AM
This is a real inspirational story. Cliff Young was a real hero who ran to inspire others.
December 23, 2008
2:29 AM
That’s really inspiring and he really deserved to win, good to know he did. He’s such a great inspiration for everyone and I feel bad for thos who didn’t believe he could be able to even finish the race when he even won because they aren’t believers, this a trully divine story and it shows us all many, many, many, many morals in it, and I think it’s different to each person because it’s depending in their situation, for me is to never give up, no matter how hard is the path, no matter what people might think, no matter if you go alone or you feel you can`t continue, because nothing matters when you don`t know what you can do till you do it and unless you don’t believe in yourself the only way of winning would be wearing something that makes you blind, so when they tell you it’s over, you’ll take off what made you blind and you’ll see what you accomplished. A really nice story almost made me tear when people told him he couldn`t do it. I was even talking to myself and telling me he could even though I obviously knew he could.
December 23, 2008
4:02 AM
this is story is a lesson to everyone who wanted to attain a greater height. Although, Cliff is died but can you just imagine a man who think of the possibility of unreal and makes it real. Indeed, Cliff is an HERO, no doubt about that.
December 23, 2008
10:47 AM
In response to J. Pindar, they were not workboots but gumboots (what the english call wellingtons), possibly the most uncomfortable things to run in ever..
December 23, 2008
3:07 PM
The Italian Marco Olmo, 61 years old won the toughest ultra trail in Europe (UTMB – 100 miles – 8000m + of climbing) twice in a row (2006 and 2007). I guess we have another Cliff in Europe!
December 26, 2008
3:49 AM
i think this is real hero of the world.
December 26, 2008
11:54 PM
It’s amazing what we can accomplish when we don’t know the “truth”.
December 27, 2008
6:25 AM
it is unbeliable, still when I write my coments here I am filled with utmost suprise of my life, I have heard many inspirational stories but this one is far ahead of all. it is great to know that someone in this world had such a determination. he is my hero now.
December 28, 2008
4:58 PM
Wow. Thanks cliff for the ‘Young Shuffle’, it certainly works for me.
January 5, 2009
3:35 PM
i would like to have shaken this man’s hand.
January 5, 2009
11:04 PM
This guy is truly a wonder of the modern world. Thanks to whoever put it on Stumbleupon.
January 7, 2009
4:40 PM
What a wonderful story. Cliff was certainly an exceptional character.
January 10, 2009
5:14 AM
I had the honor and pleasure, meeting and running with Cliff Young in 1983 during this race in Austalia. A real humble man, a true legend and folk hero down under. He left us all behind with his steady pace and never sleeping! Many ‘purist of the sport of Ultra Marathoning still consdier Cliff Young’s running feat and victory one the greatest ever in our sport-I have to certainly agree! JR
January 10, 2009
9:41 AM
here is a person who is determined of his goal. hats off to him..
January 13, 2009
1:05 AM
I love him. That story touched me so much it brought tears to my eyes. I’m going to get off my sofa now and do some exercise.
January 14, 2009
12:03 AM
What an inspiration to elderly people.
We should hear about more of this type of person
and the people of today old and young will try harder
to be a better person.
April 17, 2009
2:44 AM
Cliff was not knowing any limitations of his body’s capacity which proved to be useful.
April 30, 2009
3:44 AM
I am lucky enough to remember this event, and the amazement at Cliff winning the race. At no stage did ANYONE think he would complete it.
He is one the most amazing people and if only more people new this story. It should be talked about in Australian schools.
May 4, 2009
3:06 AM
awesome
May 9, 2009
6:08 AM
This is a real hero
Good on you !!!!
May 11, 2009
4:47 AM
this is a truly amazing and touching story!
the thing that surprised me most was that he gave the money to the other
peeps and diddnt give any 2 him sealf!!!!
HE’S AMAZING!!!
May 12, 2009
8:01 AM
Within each of us there is a “Cliff”, sometimes it takes a hard knock to release it! We all fighting some sort of battle in life, and we all on a race. We take inspiration from you. Thank you for sharing this touching story!
May 22, 2009
4:11 AM
Wow, he is really amazing… at 61 years?
May 24, 2009
9:44 PM
CLIFF…….A VERY SPECIAL PERSON……WE NEED MORE OF THEM!
June 10, 2009
10:06 AM
I think Cliff is more than the word amazing.I really love his spirit and he has really inspired me and also thought me never to give up no matter what.And come to think of it, he actually gave his prize out;he really is a kind and generous man.God will richly bless him for that. And the whole world should learn from cliff, especially Ghanaians!
August 5, 2009
1:23 AM
the movie looks to be in the works
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/national/jarratt-sizes-up-cliff-youngx2019s-gumboots-20090803-e7b7.html
August 12, 2009
1:02 AM
I really love this story. So inspiring. Determination and self confidence… so amazing…
October 26, 2009
2:19 PM
Tom Hanks as Cliff Young?
November 29, 2009
9:17 AM
The toughest man ever on earth really respect him
January 4, 2010
8:25 PM
Oh Australia, you sure have some crazy people in your country! Its are the best kind’ve crazy on the planet, I have nothing but the utmost respect for this man.
From an awed Canadian
January 5, 2010
10:33 AM
What an amazing person! Gives me such a joy to read the story.
January 25, 2010
8:46 AM
I HAVE BEEN TELLING PEOPLE ABOUT CLIFF FOR YEARS. WHAT A LEGEND.
February 22, 2010
2:18 PM
I am 67, have a hip replacement and complete 5 marathons a year- 2 of them are 50Ks. I am humbled by Cliff Young and what he has accomplished.
April 16, 2010
10:57 PM
I was lucky enough to personally meet Cliffy. I also still have his Legendery GUMBOOTS he used to train in. He donated them to WESTFIELD and they gave them to Parramatta Football Club where I bought them at Auction. Ciffy signed them for me. He was such a true inspiration and had such a gentle strength. A never die attitude.
April 28, 2010
9:02 AM
Now thats what hero are mad of.Why to go man
May 4, 2010
1:19 PM
Cliff Young is a true inspiration. Even if he had finished last place, but finished, he would have been an inspiration. But to win it completely…I am sure he must have kept fit over the years to run all day and all night for five days.
May 9, 2010
9:20 PM
What a great story. This is truly movie worthy, as more that just runners would appreciate this mans effort. I saw the suggestion for Tom Hanks to play Cliff Young, but I’d go with Russell Crowe. He’s a real Aussie, and I think that would make him more believable.
June 7, 2010
5:11 PM
How funny..was watching Forrest Gump and when he told the story about him running for 3 years I googled:
‘The man who kept running’ and ended up with this story.
It shows how important mental strenght and persistence really is..and that we human beings are capable of much more then we think.
Greetings from the Netherlands
August 20, 2010
1:14 PM
What an inspiration.
August 24, 2010
5:03 AM
I am doing him for my speech, he is soo inspirational ! x