A Journey from Marathons to the World's Toughest Ultras

Toby’s running journey began in 2017, when he decided to take on the challenge of running his first marathon. In May 2018, he crossed the finish line of the Runaway Noosa Marathon in 4 hours and 15 minutes, thinking to himself, “Is that it?” That moment sparked a relentless pursuit of pushing his physical and mental limits. Shortly after, he travelled to Europe, indulging in three months of adventure before returning home with a new goal: tackling ultra-marathons.

His first ultra was the Bruny Island Ultra, a gruelling 64km race that tested him like never before. From there, the challenges only grew. The 100km distance became the next milestone, leading him to the inaugural Guzzler Ultra—a brutal 100km race with over 4,000m of elevation gain. Despite an ankle injury six weeks out, he persevered through a training block filled with stationary bike sessions and limited running, ultimately finishing in 18 hours.

Since then, Toby has completed an incredible 21 ultra-marathons, including two races over 200km. His proudest achievements? Finishing the legendary Coast to Kosci Ultramarathon—twice. A 240km journey from the NSW coast to the summit of Mount Kosciuszko, the race is an endurance test like no other. His first finish, which took 40 hours, remains one of the defining moments of his life.

The Call of the Trails

Originally a road runner, Toby was introduced to trail running when a friend sent him a link to the Guzzler Ultra. The transition was an eye-opener, and he quickly fell in love with the peace of the trails, the challenge of the terrain, and the sense of adventure that came with every run. “The best places in the world aren’t in the cities,” he says. “They’re in the mountains and forests.”

For Toby, trail running is more than just a sport—it’s a way to challenge himself and inspire others. “I run to be a better person every day. It provides perspective and helps me realise that some things in life really aren’t that bad.”

The Cocodona 250: A Race of a Lifetime

Cocodona 250 is one of the most demanding ultra-endurance races in the world, spanning 250 miles (over 400km) through Arizona’s rugged landscapes. Unlike many other major ultras, it doesn’t have a lottery system. Entry is first-come, first-served—though for Toby, it wasn’t that simple. The hefty entry fee meant he had to join the waitlist, where he sat for eight months before finally getting the call to register.

The mix of excitement and fear was instant. “I was relieved and scared at the same time,” he admits. “I get to attempt this, but will I finish? I don’t know—and that’s what scares me.”

With his eyes set on the challenge, Toby has been training with discipline and determination. His preparation involves structured training blocks, long trail runs, elevation-focused sessions, and crucial recovery work. He’s also incorporated yoga, contrast therapy, and heat training to prepare for the brutal conditions of the Arizona desert.

One of the highlights of the race for Toby is the opportunity to share the experience with his friends, family, and fellow runners. “There’s nothing better than doing tough things with the people you love,” he says. And, of course, he’s looking forward to running alongside ultrarunning legend Courtney Dauwalter.

Mindset & Motivation

When it comes to pushing through the toughest moments, Toby draws motivation from the people who inspire him. “I think about how far I’ve come and where I want to go. If I can inspire someone else to do tough things, that will keep me going for a long time.” He also thinks about his family—their battles, resilience, and triumphs. His father’s journey to sobriety and his mother’s unwavering strength serve as powerful reminders of why he keeps moving forward.

Essentials for the Cocodona 250

Every ultra-runner has their go-to gear, and for Toby, his essentials include:

• Toe socks

• His trusty Fractel cap

• A sports watch (currently Garmin, but eyeing a switch to Coros)

• Hoka running shoes—his go-to brand

• Spring Energy Gels and Trainade Performance for fuel

• Toilet paper (a must!)

• A Salomon vest for carrying his gear

• Warm clothes

• Anti-chafe cream

• Coca-Cola and salt tablets for crucial energy boosts

• And most importantly, his friends, who will crew and support him throughout the journey.

The Goal: 100 Hours to Flagstaff

Toby’s goal is to complete the Cocodona 250 in under 100 hours—meaning he would start at 5 am on Monday and finish by 10 am on Friday. But ultimately, just making it to the finish line in Flagstaff within the 125-hour cutoff would be a monumental achievement.

As he counts down the days to race day, Toby’s focus remains on the journey, not just the destination. “I never thought I would be doing something like this with my life, but here I am.”

From his first marathon in Noosa to chasing down 250 miles in Arizona, Toby’s story is one of relentless perseverance, self-belief, and the unbreakable spirit of a trail runner. Whatever happens at Cocodona, one thing is certain—this is only the beginning of an even bigger journey.