SPOTLIGHT ON: JOSHUA DUFF
Introducing a new feature we like to call Spotlight On, where our AURA members get to know a little bit about some other AURA members!
Name: Joshua Duff aka Smurf
Age: 34
Location: Cairns, Qld
FAVOURITE DISTANCE AND WHY
I am still in what I would call an ‘exploration’ phase of ultra running, so no definite favourites. But I have been hooked by the backyard ultra format.
WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND YOU GETTING INTO ULTRA RUNNING?
I was involved in triathlons since I was at university and did my first tri in 2008. But running was always my strength. Come 2020, we had big triathlon plans including racing in Europe which were thwarted by COVID. After moping around for a couple of months, I got back into endurance sports running 1000km’s in 100 days and then ran my first ultra (Kuranda to Port Douglas 64km) on September of 2020. From that point, I was hooked – plus the “ease” of training for an ultra while juggling work, family and life was appealing as opposed 20 hours of Ironman training a week.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE ULTRA RUNNING EXPERIENCE SO FAR?
Dead Cow Gully 2022. Beforehand, I had run no more than 100k in a single run. I then planned and trained for the backyard ultra format for 18 months before finally getting a shot at Dead Cow (following missing the Clint Eastwood the year before due to COVID). I managed 36 yards (240km+) and the assist to Barry Loveday. Although a surprise to many, we strongly believed I was capable of a result like this.
But the best part was sharing the experience with my wife, eldest daughter and our friend Kate. We experienced something special in a special place and we will be forever grateful for the experience.
IF YOU COULD HELP PACE ANYONE IN A RUN/EVENT, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?
I don’t have any big name stars I would choose. But this year at Dead Cow Gully, my wife Salome ran only 6 months after having our second daughter. We were able to run a lap together and that was pretty special. So one day in the future, perhaps we might get to run some big adventures together (maybe when the girls are a little older!).
AND NOW THE OPPOSITE. WHO WOULD YOU WANT RUNNING ALONGSIDE YOU?
One of the things I love about ultra running is the chance for friends and family to crew and be part of the process. Whether it was Salome crewing at Dead Cow last year, my mum helping to crew with Salome at BVRT 50 last year or my dad crewing at Dead Cow this year, these were all special. So it’s having friends and family running alongside or crewing that helps me get to tackle my big challenges.
WHAT ARE 3 THINGS WE WOULD ALWAYS FIND IN YOUR DROPBAG?
SFuels Bars, Vaseline and Salt Tabs.
WHAT’S YOUR DREAM RUN OR EVENT?
My wife is Swiss, so we are planning on living and working in Switzerland for 6 to 12 months sometime in the near future. And while there, I would like to tackle my ultimate run event – SwissPeaks 360.
All images supplied.
If you would like to be featured in our Spotlight On segment, email ultramag@aura.asn.au with your interest!
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