Runner

Andrew Lee

Andrew had an active upbringing amongst 2 brothers and 3 sisters, and loving and supportive parents in Emu Plains, an outer western suburb of Sydney located at the foot of the Blue Mountains. Living opposite a large park and a 5 minute walk from the Nepean River, as well as being involved in organised sports such as Soccer, Rugby League & Little Athletics, and not to mention sibling rivalry, there was hardly an idle moment growing up.

At aged 12 Andrew joined a local road running group and on most Sunday's throughout the winter months they'd do a local 10km run, as well as compete in various fun-runs around the Sydney area. From this, as well as competing at cross country events at High School in Springwood (Blue Mountains), Andrew realised the smaller runs/races such as those in Little A's weren't long enough as they were over and done with too quickly for his liking. Whilst at this early stage of his life he didn't pursue longer runs on a regular basis or venture any further than 10km, it definitely planted the seed.

Fast forward a few years, Andrew is married with 4 kids (Brayden, Amy, Shane and Melissa). Whilst having kids with his wife Veronica are the most proudest moments of his life, his desire to get running again was nagging away at him, even more so as the kids got a little older and more independent. That led him to where is today, though not without pain or suffering.

“I jumped into the deep end with ultra-trail running via the 6 Foot Track and was very naive and had no idea how to train for it. My longest training run for my first one back in 2001 was an 18km flattish road run, and after eventually finishing that race in 4hr52mins and in terrible pain, telling myself "never again" over and over again, deep down I knew it appealed to me. I also realised a bit of extra work and respect for this type of running was required!"

With that in mind he set off into the ultra-trail running caper, which is what he still loves doing and sees himself involved in for many years to come.

“The camaraderie of all participants at ultra-trail running events, passionate race organisers who know and understand what the runner wants, support from volunteers as well as support from the commercial sector I believe has this great sport going from strength to strength and heading in the right direction. Longer distances and people wanting to challenge themselves in beautiful surrounds over a vast array of natural terrain has races sold out within hours of opening and in some cases, minutes, such is the popularity of them these days.”

2009

2nd place 6 Foot track marathon 2009.
1st place TNF100 2009.

2010

3rd place 6 Foot track marathon 2010.
Equal 1st place 2010 TNF100.
2nd place Gold Coast 100km 2010.
18th place representing Australia at 2010 World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships, Pikes Peak, USA.

2011

1st place 6 Foot track marathon 2011.
1st place in 2011 96km Kokoda Challenge, Queensland... with team mates – Clarke McClymont, Mick Donges & Brendan Davies.

2012

1st place in 2012 96km Kokoda Challenge, Queensland... with team mates - Clarke McClymont, Ewan Horsburgh & Brendan Davies.
1st place in 2012 100km Trailwalker, Sydney... with team mates – Paul Robertson, Jonathan Worswick & Shona Stephenson.

2013