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Cliff Young

TAKEN FROM ORIGINAL MEMORIAL PAGE

Sixty one year old Cliff Young became a household name in 1983 when he beat all of the starters and won the first Westfield Sydney to Melbourne Ultra Marathon. He wasn't known before the race - but was certainly know after that. Apart from winning the inaugural Westfield Run, Cliff also achieved many other brilliant performances in his ultra career which included several Ultra age records. He was also the "Boy from the Bush" with a larrikin wit and a heart of gold. This endeared him to many people over the years

Australian Ultra Running Legend, Cliff Young passed away at 5.20pm this afternoon(2nd November 03) after a long illness. He was 81.

Instead of flowers for the Funeral Service it is asked that people send a cheque or money order to Waterbird Rescue c/o The Powers Twins P O Box 372 Golden Beach QLD 4551. The Twins and Cliff have been working for Waterbird Rescue for a number of years on a voluntary basis and this would be a great way to remember Cliff.

There was a Service held at Caloundra this Wednesday 5th Nov at 1030am for Cliff. Spoke with Helen this evening (5th Nov). Apparently the Service was beautiful. There were about 80 people there, 4 people spoke, there were some songs and tea,coffee and biscuits afterwards. As we all know Cliff wouldn't have liked a fuss.

There was a Memorial Service held for Cliff on 12 Nov 03 at the Colac Bowling Club in Colac. There were close to 400 people in attendance that included family and Cliff's friends from Colac and the ultra running community. It was a wonderful occasion with all aspects of Cliff's life being remembered. This included Cliff the runner, Cliff the Bushman and Environmentalist and Cliff the Family Man. There were a number of speakers who spoke on different aspects of Cliff's life. A highlight for me was listening to Cliff's brother, Syd singing a solo part of "I am a Small part of the World" as part of the Lavers Hill Choir. I don't think Colac, his family or Ultrarunning will let the world forget about the spirit of Cliff in a hurry. His spirit will live on.

I would also like to personally thank 3AK Radio station in Melbourne for providing a copy of Cliff's song that was played at the Service. They had it couriered from Sydney on the day of the Service. That was nice.

President of the Australian 6-day race, Bill Sutcliffe announced last night that Memorial Square at Colac will be renamed the "Cliff Young Running Track" for the duration of the 6-day race from the 16th to 22nd Nov 03. For further details go to www.colac.ultraoz.com. He also announced that the 6-day race committee is commencing a push to get the race renamed the "Cliff Young Australian 6-day Race". This I'm absolutely wrapped about.

FURTHER LINKS ABOUT CLIFF (SOME MAY BE BROKEN)

Links to further information on Cliff Young:

http://www.theage.com.au/text/articles/2003/11/07/1068013395051.htm

http://www.bordermail.com.au/newsflow/pageitem?page_id=649877

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/11/03/1067708115813.html

http://www.ultramarathonworld.com/news_2003/n02no03d.htm

http://www.news.com.au/common/story_page/0,4057,7751335%255E1702,00.html

http://www.coolrunning.com.au/news/1997n026.shtml

http://www.dinkumaussies.com/MISCELLANY%2FCliff%20Young.htm

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/05/02/1051382094097.html

http://www.pastornet.net.au/jmm/alpt/alpt0297.htm

http://www.corporatetrends.com.au/mitchell11.html

SOME TRIBUTES AT THE TIME OF CLIFF'S DEATH

Dear Phil,

The sad news from Cliff Young death created very sorry feelings in my soul because another of the greatest Australian ultra-runners (after George Perdon and Brian Smith)is not with us any more. His name will remain immortal as Cliff was an Australian hero and a great figure of modern Australian history, because he inspired millions of people around the world with his acheivements. Please pass my deap sympathy to his relatives and tothe ultra-running community in general. I feel twice sorry, because this loss finds me to run a 3-day charity run in Cyprus and I will be unable to be present at his funeral. Lets wish and pray that his soul will rest in PEACE

sincerely

Yiannis Kouros

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Young, this AM. I had never met the man, but was always inspired by his reputation "Down Under" and world wide. To have accomplished what he did certainly did qualify him as a legend and even more so as he did it at a time in life when many have either retired, or have lost their ability to compete at the top level, and he did that. His life and running are truly an inspiration to anyone who looks at a total life, and not at a single achievement.

I am especially honored and saddened, since it does appear that I won the last Colac Cliff Young award while he was still alive. The award, in perpetuity, should continue to serve as a beacon of for those who "give it their best" and each presentation and each person so honored will have on his or her mantle piece a bit of history to honor his life.

Andrew Lovy, D.O.

Very sad to hear the news of Cliff (only heard it this morning), i was only thinking of him when driving back through Colac yesterday. Certainly a true Aussie Ultra legend and a great bloke too, remember talking with him a little doing the old "10 K ?? Banana Run" over the Westgate Bridge from Newport to Goschs Paddock, back in the late 80's. If i remember correctly it was around 1990 or so Cliff did the presentations at the Traralgon Marathon after finishing the race.

All the best,

Kelvin

Several weeks ago my kids did a study unit on the story of "The Pumpkin Runner," for whom Mr. Young was the inspiration. We've been meaning to seek out information on Mr. Young via the Internet and didn't do so till today. Well, it seems we just missed him.

Nevertheless, his life reminds us that no image bearer of God is ordinary. Tonight, in fact, our pastor spoke about Genesis 50:20 where Joseph forgives his brothers in recognition of God's sovereign purposes: "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Our pastor used Joseph's story, in part, to remind us how God's plan and purpose is marvelously complex and cosmic in scale. When we simply seek God's purpose for our lives and remain faithful to Him, we can not only live our lives well, but also serve God's purpose for others.

I know nothing about Mr. Young's faith, but in learning of his story-from the other side of our world-we're reminded of our pastor's words, Joseph's words, and God's words.

Thanks "Cliffy." Our "gumboots off" to you.

Jim Heethuis,

Even though it has been expected for quite some time the passing of our great friend CLIFF has (for want of a better word) left me quite devastated. he was such a gentle man, gentleman too, he was always a help to me & it was through lap counting & helping look after Cliff & a few others that got me into the Ultra scene, he was an inspiration & will remain so, he was loved by many (including me) he will be sadly missed by many & forgotten by none, it is I think an end to an era.

I can still see you Cliff coming through Doncaster in the early hours, what a great night that was, what an achievement!!

May you rest in peace CLIFF my friend.

Sandy Kerr

I was grieved to hear of the death of Cliff Young,a great bloke and Aussie legend for so many years.Most know of him as a great ultra runner,but Cliff could knock out a pretty fast half marathon when inclined.I have fond memories of that day,18th Sept. 1983,when he graced the Cooranbong(NSW) half marathon with his presence.He raced in his famous long trousers and won his M60 age category in a time of 1.26.59. and then proceeded to assist in prize giving,multiple conversations,photo shoots etc with other younger runners and generally making it a great day for all present.A wonderful bloke who will be sadly missed.

Jim Beisty

As Records Officer for the Australian Ultra Runners Association a position I took up two years ago i did not realise then what a great athlete our cliffy was after looking through nearly twenty years of Ultra Magazines not only did I realise what a great Athlete he was, but a great Charcter,he was generous with his time to other Ultra Athletes but apart from his Westfield run his time when he won the Australian 24 Hour Championship at Adelaide in the 1980s to my mind was one of his great runs,rest in peace Cliffy you have deserved it,we on earth are glad that you passed our way.

Fred Brooks

Cliff Young is not more now with us. It is like going away the Great Grand of Ultrarunners. The biggest tree is fallen but the seeds sprouted from it all over the world, only his physical body is not with us but he will always remain with us.

I first encountered with him some 6-7 years ago in a very simple book on Running having a last brief chapter on Ultrarunning. There I found two greatest (yes to me they were and are greatest) legends Cliff & Yiannis. I was stunned by Cliffy's running ability. I know his impact on me and a share in becoming me an ultrarunner (only ultrarunner in India) is also goes to him.

Wish his soul remain in Peace.

- Arun Kumar Bhardwaj

Phil

I learnt of Cliffy death from the TV & during the tribute to the great man a clip of him was shown completing a Westfield run. The person beside him raising Ciffy's arm in victory was Bryan Smith.

As my wife Betty said - Two great gentle in all facets, now can keep each other company running forever.

May they both rest in peace yet watch over us running nuts for when I look into the skies complaining of my hardships struggling through the kilometres I am sure the feel of the wind at my back will not be the wind but you giving me a slight push. RIP

Geoff Williams

Cliffy

To all the special times we shared in the early hours of the morning when there was just the two of us either trackside or in the massage tent. No one can ever know what passed between us or share in the jokes or hear the laughing.

You were the first one to believe that my approach to care of the ultra athlete was the right one to take, and your encouragement down through the years since we first met at the Colac six day run when I was a massage student to research on better ways to keep the athlete going has paid off.

Your letters always had that positive message, and they always came at a time when I was ready to give up on everything. I still have the vision when I was doing the lap counting early in the morning at the 'Cliffies Dream' and you were disappearing into the darkness for another lap of the rough track.

There was just the two of us out there, I watched the lonely figure out there, and could see what made you a what you were. I had an insight into what it would be like to be like you. To quote another ultra runner Kevin Mansell

"I finally found my hero in life and it was me"

Thanks to you on that night I found that outWhile not being an Ultra competitor, I am proud to say I am an Ultra person,as much a part of the Ultra family as the athletes are.It is as part of the ultra family I grieve at your passing, and at the same time feel proud I was part of the same family as you.

Michael Gillan Ultra Masseur

CLIFF'S RACES

Date	Event	Location	Placing	Result
1981	Colac 1000	Colac	Finished
26-Jun-82	Box Hill 50 mile	Box Hill, Vic		6:31:26
1983	Westfield Run	Sydney to Melb	1st	5d 15h 4m
9-Sep-84	Coburg 100km	Coburg		8:53:04
1984	Westfield Run	Sydney to Melb	Finished
3-Feb-85	Vic 24hr	Box Hill, Vic		216.095km
1985	Westfield Run	Sydney to Melb	Withdrew
3/11/1985	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track race	Adelaide	1st	235.411km
1986	Westfield Run	Sydney to Melb	Withdrew
16-Feb-86	VVACI 24hr Track Race	Box Hill, Vic	6th	203.2km
28-Jun-86	VMC 50 mile track Race	Box Hill, Vic	13th	6h 51m 39s
24-Aug-86	CHASE 50 mile Road Race	Ballarat, Vic	8th	6h 33m 46s
9-Nov-86	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track race	Adelaide		153.187km
1-Mar-87	VVACI 24hr Track race	Box Hill, Vic	8th	197.115km
26-Mar-87	Westfield Run	Sydney to Melb	16th	9d 13h 17m
31-May-87	Sydney Striders 24hr Track race	Hensley, NSW	4th	196.867km
16-Sep-87	QMRRC 24hr Track race	Queensland University	6th	185.811km
3-Oct-87	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track race	Adelaide	34th	100.182km
16-Nov-87	Australian 6 Day	Colac	12th	632km
13-Feb-88	VVACI 24hr Track run	Coburg	12th	179.081km
28-May-88	Sydney Striders 24hr Track race	Hensley, NSW	4th	196.281km
14-Nov-88	Australian 6-Day Race	Colac	14th	670.400km
Nov-88	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track Race	Adelaide	9th	175.33km
11-Dec-88	CHASE 50 mile Road race	Ballarat, vic	22nd	8.43.54s
25-Feb-89	VVACI 24hr track run	Coburg	26th	157.875km
May-89	Westfield Run	Sydney to Melbourne	withdrew	451km
19-Aug-89	HiTec 24hr Track race	Melbourne	15th	173.768km
Oct-89	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track race	Adelaide	8th	175.834km
DATE	EVENT	LOCATION	PLACING	RESULT
Nov-89	Australian 6-Day Race	Colac	11th	664km
3-Feb-90	International 24hr Championship	Milton Keynes, UK	29th	167.136km
10-Mar-90	VVACI 24hr Track Race	Coburg	17th	164.509km
8-Apr-90	Toto's 100km track race	Melbourne	11th	10.12.07
4-Aug-90	Toto's 24 hr track race	Melbourne	11th	108.400km
27-Oct-90	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track Race	Adelaide	7th	148.427km
1-Sep-90	Sydney Striders 24hr track race	Hensley	8th	178.76km
18-Nov-90	Campbelltown 6 Day Track race	NSW	10th	648.503km
26-Jan-91	Wyong 24hr track race	NSW	13th	134.545km
23-Feb-91	VVACI 24hr track race	Coburg	12th	165.231km
3-Nov-91	Australian 6 day race	Colac	10th	590.00km
1-Sep-91	Caboolture 24hr Track race	Queensland	5th	154.269km
28-Sep-91	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track Race	Adelaide	13th	157.100km
22-Feb-92	VVACI 24hr track run	Coburg	14th	153.85km
24-May-92	Queensland 24hr Track Race	Brisbane	2nd	158.617km
Sep-92	Nanango-Sth Burnett 330km Footrace	Queensland	5th	44.11.28s
21-Sep-92	24hr Race	Caboolture	6th	140.800km
15-Oct-92	Geraldton-Perth 434km	WA	DNF	367km
Nov-92	Australian 6-day race	Colac	7th	653.600km
23-Jan-93	Toukley 12hr Race	Toukley	8th	91.334km
27-Feb-93	VVACI 24hr Track run	Coburg	3rd	171.650km
13-Mar-93	Tamworth 24hr track run	Tamworth, NSW	7th	155.258km
5-Jun-93	Queensland 24hr Track Race	Queensland	8th	130.452km
Sep-93	Sth Burnett 330km footrace	Queensland	9th	48.10.52s
DATE	EVENT	LOCATION	PLACING	RESULT
16-Oct-93	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track Race	Adelaide	8th	148.47km
Nov-93	Australian 6-day race	Colac	7th	609.6km
22-Jan-94	Toukley 12hr race	Toukley	14th	88.429km
29-Jan-94	Liverpool City 24hr	Liverpool, NSW	6th	147.00km
26-Mar-94	Vita Health South coast 24hr	Wollongong, NSW or Tamworth?	11th	145.74km
17-Apr-94	VVACI 24hr Track Race	Coburg	5th	153.055km
3-Jun-94	Queensland 24hr Track race	Brisbane	6th	135.47km
2-Oct-94	Liverpool City 24hr	Liverpool, NSW		150.54
25-Oct-94	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track race	Adelaide		150.764
15-Oct-95	Liverpool City 24hr	Liverpool, NSW		146.65
27-Oct-96	Sri Chinmoy 24hr Track race	Adelaide		146.817
9-May-99	Coburg 24hr	Coburg		147.487

Some of Cliff's records

100km Track	Adelaide.SA	71	14:08:54	17/10/1993	Aus.Rec	70-74
200km Track	Colac,Vic	73	1D:18:11:47	21/11/1995	Aus.Rec	70-74
500km Track	Colac,Vic	73	6D:00:00:00	21/11/1995	Aus.Rec	70-74
100 Mile Track	Colac,Vic	73	1D:06:49:10	21/11/1995	Aus.Rec	70-74
12 Hours Track	Sydney,NSW	60	129.525km	4/06/1905	Aus.Rec	60-64
12 Hours Track	Olympic Pk.Vic	68	104.800km	5/08/1990	Aus.Rec	65-69
48 Hours	Colac,Vic	73	233.435km	20/11/1995	Aus.Rec	70-74
6 Days	Colac,Vic	73	653.600km	20/11/1995	Aus.Rec	70-74

A POEM ABOUT CLIFF

At a place called Parramatta to the south of Sydney town

Endurance runners gathered, some of world renown

A mighty crowd was there that day, the press and TV too

and many words were spoken before the day was through

eleven runners toed the line, eleven hearts beat strong

For we all knew what lay ahead and where we could go wrong.

A gun was fired, away we went, each runner to his pace

The back-up crews were on the move, their runners for the race.

The road was thick with traffic, they were their in all their makes

And above the toots and cheering came the squeal of hard pressed brakes.

Through the shouts , the yells and bedlam, the police all acted fine

But all the way to Melbourne our lives were on the line.

The pace was hot through Goulburn then it was on to Yass

Some runners' feet were blistered and others had the rash

But still we kept on moving, for we could only try

To run one hundred miles a day when we would rather die.

Our back-up crews did all they could to keep us running strong

And they all suffered with us, when the day was hard and long.

With Gundagi behind us, there was Holbrook way ahead

How could we keep on running when we were almost dead?

There were hills all shapes and sized, some short, some long and steep

and each man had to beat them or fall into a heap.

We ran all day and half the night to Albury and Wodonga