Redfern’s motivation stems from the exhilaration of racing against himself and against the clock to achieve specific goals.
“I love how the more you run them (24hr events), the more you become experienced in how to tackle the events, and that is forever evolving when it comes to your set up or preparation,” he says.
“The great people and runners I’ve met on the track are also just so inspiring, and surprisingly have become great mentors to me, helping me become the runner I am today.
“I feel I still have lots more to learn with my 24hr track running, but I’m thoroughly looking forward to reaching those achievements over the coming years.”
The IAU 24hr Asia & Oceania Championships in Chinese Taipei will be Redfern’s first time representing Australia, and to say he was especially ‘chuffed’ is an understatement.
“I was working up on an aircraft engine when I received the call that I’d made the team,” he recaps.
“Having only been running for just over four years, I was so chuffed that I’d been selected and thought worthy enough to be given a chance to run alongside a group of great runners and mentors for Australia.”
And if there’s a runner out there on the Aussie roads-trails-tracks who speaks volumes when it comes to inspiring others, it’s Redfern.
“No goal is too high or unachievable,” he reiterates.
“If there is something you have set for yourself or a goal you would like to achieve no matter what it is, then believe in yourself that you can achieve it.
“First and foremost, which I believe is the most fundamental advice that one can receive, is don’t ever stop enjoying what you are doing regardless of what goal may be – be it in your everyday training or your racing; this is the reason why we run ultras and enjoy them so much.”
Redfern will be racing alongside his Australian team mates at the 2018 IAU 24hr Asia and Oceania Championships in Chinese Taipei the weekend of December 1-2.
Pictured (feature): Stephen Redfern racing. Photograph – Supplied.
Pictured (above left) Stephen Redfern accepting his first place trophy at the 2018 Ned Kelly Chase 100k. Photograph – Ned Kelly Chase Facebook.
