However, it was his introduction to mountain biking eight years ago that truly sparked his passion for endurance sports. A friend suggested a duathlon at Fingal Bay—a combination of cycling and running—and Blake was immediately hooked. Not long after, he completed his first Olympic-distance triathlon and has since tackled numerous Olympic and half-Ironman events. His achievements include two full Ironman distance triathlons, one completed around home in 2021 and another in Port Macquarie in 2023, where he finished an impressive 10 hours and 40 minutes.
“I’ve always done well in my age group, and I’m not the fastest out there, but I love the sport and the community that comes with it. Everyone is racing against themselves and pushing their own limits,” Blake shares. His best result came last year at the Hawks Nest Long Course, where he finished first in his age group.
Having completed several Ironman races, Blake is looking to take on an ultra-endurance challenge—one that will test his physical and mental strength. On May 10th, he plans to complete a custom-designed race around his local area, a combination of swimming, cycling, and running, all in one day. His goal? To complete the entire course in under 14 hours.
“Most of the longer organised races are multi-day events, but I am keen to complete it all in one day.”
The event will begin with a 5 km swim in Kilaben Bay, followed by a 210 km ride around Lake Macquarie. He’ll finish with a 50 km run, consisting of five 10 km loops that will take him through Kilaben Bay, Coal Point, and Carey Bay—an area that's not exactly flat, with nearly 1,000 meters of elevation."I've always wanted to do something longer than a full Ironman," Blake explains.
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"This challenge is an opportunity to push the boundaries of what I think I’m capable of, but more importantly, it’s a chance to show my kids that anything is possible with time, dedication, and hard work."
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While Blake’s commitment to fitness is a personal pursuit, his motivation for this challenge extends beyond the race itself. During his training, he realised that he could combine his passion for endurance sports with a greater purpose. He decided to raise funds and awareness for the Starlight Foundation, a cause that has been especially meaningful to his family.
Blake recalls a time when his son Liam's asthma flared up, leading them to the hospital just before Christmas. The Starlight Foundation's efforts to keep Liam entertained and happy during such a difficult time left a lasting impression on him. “The work they do in hospitals is incredible,” Blake says. “When things were tough, they brought joy into Liam's life, and I’ll never forget that.”
Balancing his training, work, and family life has not been easy. “There have been plenty of 3 am alarms to fit in training before getting the kids’ lunches ready,” Blake admits. Last week he completed his biggest training week ever, totalling 14.5 hours of training!
Despite the challenges, he credits his success to the incredible support system around him, especially his mother, who has helped him juggle his responsibilities. “I can never truly express how much I appreciate everything she has done for me,” he says.
The support Blake has received from friends and coworkers has also been overwhelming, especially when he posted fundraising posters. “Not many of my colleagues knew what I was doing until I shared the cause,” Blake says. “But the support has been incredible, and I’m so grateful for the donations that have come in.”
Blake knows his challenge isn't the longest or most extreme endurance event out there, but he's proud of what he’s accomplishing given his personal circumstances. “I'm just happy with what I’ve been able to achieve so far. The support from my family, friends, and community has made it all possible.”
Blake’s journey is more than just a personal achievement; it’s about teaching his kids valuable life lessons while giving back to a cause that has made a significant impact on his family’s life. With just 4 weeks remaining before his self-designed ultra-endurance race, Blake is focused on the road ahead.
“I’m excited for the challenge, and knowing that I’m raising money for the Starlight Foundation makes it even more meaningful,” he says. “I plan to give it my all on May 10th, and I hope it inspires others to believe that with determination, anything is possible.”
Blake’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication, love for family, and the incredible impact that endurance sports can have—not just on the athlete, but on the community as a whole.
Let’s continue to show him our support and help him reach his goal of fundraising $3500 (he is almost there!!)
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