Josiah Bamber is competitive and likes to set himself new challenges, so on October 1, he will take part in his first half marathon (21km).
Josiah, who has Down syndrome, has been training twice a week with personal trainer Libbi Clarke from Epic Link, who specialises in working with kids with disabilities.
He first became interested in the Western Sydney Half Marathon in Penrith when he saw Mrs Clarke’s trophies from running half marathons and marathons, and said he wanted to beat her, Mrs Clarke explained with a laugh.
In preparation, Josiah has done the muddy, obstacle course Raw Challenge, and ran the 14km City to Surf in August, completing it in 1 hour 45 minutes, without stopping.
He’s also been doing a lot of riding on a tandem bike with Mrs Clarke, and she’s noticed a big improvement in his co-ordination and fitness, so much so that the Hazelbrook teen would eventually like to take part in a triathlon.
But for now he’s focused on the half marathon.
“I’m a bit nervous,” Josiah said.
“But I’ll be going slow and steady.”
And when he crosses the finish line, he plans to celebrate Usain Bolt style – with the famous point – and maybe even lose his shirt.
