The Guzzler Ultra - Year 620th—21st July 2024

Ben Duffus

50km | Hoka One One

The Guzzler – Athlete profiles

Get to know the Guzzlers

We’re so lucky to have some amazing people lining up for both The Guzzler and The Glass Half Full. In the lead up to race day, we’re featuring some of the athlete stories here. In this edition, meet Ben Duffus, a man who needs little introduction in the Australian Ultra-Trail scene but whose reasons for running The Guzzler may not be what you’d expect.

Let’s Meet

Ben Duffus

“I’ll have the X-men as my ultimate crew.”

Why are you running The Guzzler?

I have been fortunate enough to run trail races all over the globe, but have had limited opportunities to race in my own back-yard on Brisbane’s beautiful trails. So, I’m excited to be taking on the challenge of running my first 100mile race at the Brisbane Trail Ultra, and then backing up a few weeks later with The Guzzler 50km. I’ve always felt really lucky to live in a big city (by Australian standards) that has such an extensive network of trails nearby, so I’m thrilled to see them being showcased in these races.

How long have you been trail or ultra running?

After running cross-country and track in high-school, I ‘graduated’ into mountain running back in 2010 and then made the jump up to ultras in 2012.

What’s your proudest trail running moment?

Finishing my first 100km at Ultra-Trail Australia in 2013 (known as TNF100 back then), still stands out as one of my proudest moments. A comedy of errors in the 2012 race resulted in me being picked up on the side of the trail by a rescue crew, so I spent the next year training hard for redemption. Seeing all that work pay off was incredibly satisfying and showed me what I could accomplish with enough effort. 

How will you get through the tough times on course?

I try to keep the tough times during any race in perspective; I’ve chosen to be there, and if it was easy then I’d just sign up for something more challenging next time! When negative thoughts creep in, I find that they’re usually the result of projecting into the future and contemplating the pain to come. However, if I can bring my thoughts back into the present moment – Do I need to eat? Or Drink? Can I take another step? – then the situation is rarely too bad and I find that can keep going. 

What’s your goal for the event?

This race will really be about ‘survival’ after the BTU 100miler. My Dad is also entered in the 50km, so I’m hoping to run it with him…if I can keep up! 

Who would be your ultimate race crew?

After consulting my twin brother, who’s the family’s comic book expert, I’ll have the X-men as my ultimate crew: Quicksilver will change all my bottles/gear/nutrition in an instant, Elixir will heal me and make sure I’m feeling fresh, Professor X will alter my thoughts to make sure I’m always positive, and Storm will control the weather to ensure perfect running conditions.

We’d Love To Find Out More

Tell Us Your Story

From first timers attempting a new challenge through to experienced ultramarathoners, front, middle or back of the pack, everyone attempting The Guzzler and The Glass Half Full is an athlete and everyone has a story. Want to share yours with us? We’d love to hear from you as we get to know some of our Guzzlers.

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