Teacher’s Marathon Achievement

Most people might plan a party for a life milestone such as turning 60. Not Adrian Bol.

Teacher, father, grandfather and fitness fanatic Adrian Bol conquered the unconquerable – seven marathons, on seven beaches, in seven states and territories, on seven consecutive days – all to raise funds for Foodbank Victoria.

Crossing the finish line at Melbourne’s Bonbeach on Wednesday 12 June, Adrian was relieved, emotional and proud of his momentous achievement.

“It’s been an awesome journey. It’s emotional,” he said. “I knew the family would be here. I knew that I was going to get emotional.”

From sunny skies in Darwin, to a wet and wintery morning in Melbourne, Adrian described each of the marathons as challenging, particularly in Darwin where he was faced with unexpected conditions – a high sea tide which meant restricted access to the beach. 

“It was 28 degrees… I had to run 400 metres and then stop at the end, and then turn around. I had to do over 100 laps. That was the hardest marathon out of all of them. But it set me up to complete the other six.”

For months now Adrian has been getting up as early as 3.30am to train on his local beach, Bonbeach in Melbourne’s south-east, before arriving at his school to teach. 

“I’ve had a blessed career and I want to give back. There’s a lot of families in need, a lot of people are really doing it tough and if it wasn’t for Foodbank they’d be doing it a lot tougher.”

Over the course of seven days, Adrian spent around 18 hours flying and 35 hours running a marathon length along each of the seven beaches: Casuarina Beach (Darwin), Scarborough Beach (Perth), Glenelg Beach (Adelaide), Kirra Beach (Gold Coast), Seven Mile Beach (Hobart) and lastly, Bonbeach (Melbourne). 

“I’m really really proud of this. Having done it. I set myself personal challenges as well, times and so forth. I wanted to do sub-5s. And I pretty much did sub-5 hour marathons in succession. That to me was a personal challenge… I didn’t think I could that at 60.”

Darren, who looked after the logistics of the event for Adrian, was blown away by his efforts.

“Adrian has consistently used the phrase that he is an ordinary person attempting something that is extraordinary. Without any question what we witnessed in Darwin on 06th June 2019 was extraordinary. To complete that marathon, on sand, on his 60th birthday was a feat of endurance, determination and sheer bloody guts that I have never seen before,” said Darren.

You can still support Adrian’s marathon fundraising efforts by donating on his everydayhero.com.au fundraising page.