When competing in sport, from racing his Porsche 997 with yellow and black patterned wheels to competing in endurance events, Old Boy Ben Foessel (2007) strives to have a point of difference wherever he can. Furthermore, whenever he sets a personal goal, you can rest assured it will likely involve a track and that he will do whatever he can to achieve it.

Ben recently competed in the AUTRA (Australian Ultra and Trail Runners Association) National 24 Hour Championship, an ultra-running event held in Canberra at the world class AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) Athletics Track. Never having raced a 24 hour event before, Ben had no idea what to expect. However, with a solid preparation including back-to-back 100 kilometre plus weeks and having run 1,300 kilometres since January, he felt ready. Ben says his strategy was simple: “20 minutes running / 200 metres walking. Ticking off laps, staying steady.” Ben covered 202 kilometres over 482 laps, finishing in 7th position overall. He was the 5th male overall to cross the line and the 4th male to finish in the Under 50’s category. An amazing effort - well done Ben!

This result adds to Ben’s growing resume of endurance achievements. He has previously completed in international and national ultra-distance events including the UTMB CCC 100km race in Mont Blanc, Ultra Trail Kosci 100, and several other 100km trail races across challenging terrain.

This 24 hour effort was also a stepping stone for an even greater challenge—Ben’s current goal is to qualify and compete in the prestigious Coast to Kosciuszko, a 240km footrace from Eden, NSW to the summit of Mt Kosciuszko, at the end of the year.

Ben has also previously competed in teams events: the Oxfam Trailwalker over 100 kilometres and The Kokoda Challenge over 96 kilometres. With his respective teams, he completed the Oxfam in 23 hours 42 minutes and Kokoda in 23 hours 20 minutes.

Away from competition, Ben works in the family business founded by his father. Motor School delivers premier driver safety instruction and education throughout Australia.

Ben’s key to success has always been: “Know where to invest your time, on and off the track.”