Don’t Quit. Keep Running.

In 1983 Australia hosted its ultramarathon. A marathon is 26.2 miles long. An ultramarathon is defined as any race longer than 26.2 miles. Australia’s ultramarathon in 1983 was much longer than 26.2 miles. This race began in Sydney and ended in Melbourne and covered over 544 miles. The race takes days to complete and only the most committed and prepared athletes even attempt it.

At this inaugural ultramarathon in Sydney, Cliff Young to register. He was 61 years old. He had entered races before, but this was different. When Cliff arrived to pick up his racing bib, he was not dressed as other racers. He was wearing old sneakers with galoshes over them and overalls with holes cut in the legs to provide ventilation. Those who were registering the runners presumed this was a joke. Cliff assured them he was truly there to run so they gave him a number and pinned it onto his overalls.[1]

He walked to the starting line and all the other racers with their name-brand shoes and clothing looked at Cliff, thinking he was crazy. The crowd noticed him and laughed. When the gun went off the laughter grew louder. The professional runners were well-trained and looked like athletes. They began their race with typical running strides, but not Cliff. Cliff’s style of running was as unique as his style of running attire. His running style has been described as a “goofy-looking shuffle.” People laughed. Some in the crowd ridiculed him. Some very unkind things were yelled at Cliff from those watching.

The Australia ultramarathon lasts for days. Therefore, runners must prepare accordingly. This includes carrying the right gear, hydrating well, having daily goals for distance, and sleeping long enough to recharge. Cliff Young just intended to run.

The story of Cliff Young sounds like the script of a sports movie. Five days, 14 hours, and four minutes after the starting gun went off, Cliff Young shuffled across the finish line. It was amazing that he finished. No one thought he would. What is more amazing is that he won the race and the closest behind him crossed almost an hour later. Cliff Young had set a world record.

He was mobbed by the press. Those who had tracked the race could not believe it. When the press interviewed the 61-year-old champion about his training and preparation, he responded,

“See I grew up on a farm where we couldn’t afford horses or tractors, and the whole time I was growing up, whenever the storms would roll in, I’d have to go out and round up the sheep. We had 2,000 sheep on 2,000 acres. Sometimes I would have to run those sheep for two or three days. It took a long time, but I’d always catch them. I believe I can run this race.”[2]

Runners normally would run for 18 hours daily, then sleep for six. Young slept just a couple of hours each night. Thus, while the rest of the runners slept, Cliff began shuffling along. By the time the others awakened, he was far down the road.[3]

This sounds like a true to life “tortoise and hare” story.

Cliff Young died in 2003, but runners still recount his amazing story of endurance and perseverance. Other ultramarathoners have even adopted his shuffle because…well…it works.

Sometimes in life we just need encouragement to carry on. Rich Mullins’ song reminds me that “Love has come, and He’s given me hope to carry on.”[4]

There are many days, even as followers of Christ, the desire to throw in the towel, to quit, and to give up, arises. It may feel that one’s effort is not worth it. Seeking to live for the Lord often comes with challenges. The marriage is not working out. The children are not obeying. Work seems like a curse rather than a blessing. Even attending church ceases to bring joy. And the thought of giving up, giving in, walking away, or simply ceasing to try, seems to be the only answer.

Yet, we are reminded in God’s Word that these feelings are not unique. Since the beginning the enemy has sought to not just discourage, but to destroy God’s image-bearers. Weariness can feel overwhelming at times. The Apostle Paul, who certainly was facing personal difficulties, wrote these words to the Christians in Galatia,

And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9 ESV) [5]

There’s a lesson to be learned from Cliff Young. We are not running ultramarathons (at least most of us are not) but we are running. The call of God is to remain faithful, pressing on toward the end, and to keep running until we reach the finish line.

Our race (life) is our sanctification journey. It truly is an ultramarathon. Our finish line is our glorification. So, be encouraged. Stay strong and do not give up or give in.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) [6]

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[1] Smith, Ben. “Just Keep Running - the Story of Cliff Young.” Ben Smith Sr, Ben Smith, 27 Feb. 2025, www.bensmithsr.org/ponderings/just-keep-running-the-story-of-cliff-young.

[2] Johnson, Terrell. “Cliff Young Gave Us a Whole New Way to Run Long Distances.” Cliff Young Gave Us a Whole New Way to Run Long Distances, The Half Marathoner, 10 Oct. 2023, www.thehalfmarathoner.com/p/cliff-young-gave-us-a-whole-new-way.

[3] Johnson.

[4] Mullins, Rich. “Hope to Carry On.” Spotify, 26 Oct. 1999, open.spotify.com/track/6iaNBwYedZMxXALKfPvQqu.

[5]The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2025). (Ga 6:9). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.

[6]The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. (2025). (1 Co 9:24–25). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.