Potato farmer Cliff Young shuffled his way into Australian folklore at 61 in 2025.
Potato Farmer Cliff Young Shuffled His Way into Australian Folklore at 61.
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In the annals of Australian sports history, few stories are as improbable and inspiring as that of Cliff Young, the potato farmer who, at the age of 61, defied the odds to win the 1983 Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon. His victory remains one of the most iconic tales in Australian folklore, not just because of the shock factor or the thrill of his victory, but because of what it represented: the triumph of perseverance, determination, and the indomitable spirit of an ordinary man who refused to let age or expectations dictate his path.
Cliff Young’s story is one of those rare moments where a simple, seemingly impossible act becomes larger than life—a tale of grit, heart, and self-belief that continues to inspire not just runners, but anyone who has ever faced seemingly insurmountable odds.
The Unlikely Athlete: Who Was Cliff Young? Potato farmer
Born in 1922 in Beech Forest, Victoria, Cliff Young was not a trained athlete. His life before the Ultramarathon was one of physical labor and hard work, primarily focused on running his family’s potato farm. For much of his life, he had been a figure of the rural Australian landscape—quiet, unassuming, and dedicated to the task of farming. Unlike the typical athletes who had honed their skills from a young age, Cliff was unfamiliar with the world of professional sports, let alone endurance running.
But it was this very lack of experience in competitive athletics that may have given him the edge in the Sydney to Melbourne race. His only “training” came from the daily physical work he performed on the farm, where running through the muddy, hilly, and challenging terrain while herding cattle was part of his routine. This form of exercise, though unconventional, built his stamina, toughness, and willpower—traits that would serve him well when he decided to take part in one of the world’s most grueling ultramarathons.
The 1983 Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon Potato farmer
The Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon is no ordinary race. Spanning 875 kilometers (about 543 miles) from Sydney to Melbourne, it is one of the longest and most arduous races in the world. Runners typically compete for over a week, with many covering the distance in about 5 days, taking turns between running and resting to ensure they can manage the physical strain of the race.
When the 1983 race was set to begin, the competition was fierce, and the field of participants consisted of seasoned ultra-marathoners, many of whom were well known in the endurance running community. The average age of participants was significantly younger than Cliff, with many in their 20s and 30s. They were athletes who had trained for years, meticulously following regimens, running multiple marathons to prepare for the challenge. They were prepared for long nights, extreme fatigue, and the mental hurdles that come with ultra-distance running.
Then there was Cliff Young.
At 61 years old, Cliff had no experience in any major races of this caliber. Yet, inspired by his belief in himself and the nagging desire to prove something, he entered the race on a whim. Cliff had no traditional running gear either. Wearing overalls and gumboots (rubber boots), the iconic image of the older man with a wide-brimmed hat and scruffy beard, running with a distinctive shuffle, became forever etched in the minds of Australians.
The Start of the Race: A Shuffling Start Potato farmer
When Cliff Young lined up at the starting line on the first day of the 1983 Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon, no one took him seriously. To the seasoned ultramarathoners, he was just a curiosity—a novelty act at best. As they lined up in their professional gear, prepared with the best shoes, water bottles, and race strategies, Young’s presence was met with confusion and quiet amusement. His appearance did not inspire confidence in the competition.
As the race began, Young adopted his unconventional running style, a shuffle that was slow and laborious in appearance but deceptively efficient. Rather than taking long strides like the other competitors, Young used short, quick steps, his feet barely leaving the ground. This shuffle was not just for show—it was born out of necessity. His earlier years as a farmer had taught him that when running through muddy, uneven terrain, short steps and minimal energy exertion would prevent exhaustion. Over time, this running style became his signature, and it was one of the key factors that would help him endure the grueling race.
As the race progressed, Cliff’s shuffle became a symbol of persistence. While other runners—many of them younger and seemingly more fit—would stop at night to sleep and rest, Cliff continued. For him, resting was unnecessary. His body had been conditioned to work without rest during his time on the farm, so sleep wasn’t essential in the way it was for his competitors.
The Mental Toughness: Outlasting the Competition Potato farmer
The mental fortitude required to run the Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon is legendary. The race stretches over days, with runners battling extreme fatigue, sleep deprivation, muscle pain, and the unforgiving Australian weather. For the other competitors, taking regular breaks, including short periods of sleep, was part of their strategy. Typically, the runners would rest for a few hours during the night, then start again the next morning. They had learned from their experience that recovery was necessary for maintaining performance over such a long distance.
Cliff Young, however, had a different idea. He kept running, using his unique shuffling technique to conserve energy and continue on through the night, making minimal stops. This unconventional strategy allowed him to cover more distance than his competitors, and as days passed, he began to close the gap. Where others rested, he pushed forward.
As the race wore on, Cliff’s persistence and refusal to take rest breaks began to take a toll on the competition. Slowly, the gap between the seasoned marathoners and the 61-year-old farmer closed. One by one, the runners who had initially outpaced him began to slow down, struggle, and falter as fatigue set in. But Cliff, whose mind was focused on the simple task of moving forward, kept his pace steady. His quiet determination to finish—without fanfare, without breaking down—became a psychological challenge for the other runners, who could not keep up with his steady, relentless pace.
At this point, Cliff Young was no longer seen as an outsider or a curiosity. He had become a real contender for the title. His early deficits were erased, and the other runners had to reckon with the possibility that this man, who had no right to even compete in their eyes, might actually win.
Cliff’s Triumph: Crossing the Finish Line Potato farmer
By the time Cliff Young reached the finish line in Melbourne, it was clear that his five-day, 15-hour and four-minute finish had not only beaten the odds but also shattered expectations. He won the race by a substantial margin—completing the distance in 5 days, 15 hours, and 4 minutes, almost 10 hours ahead of his nearest rival. For a man who had been written off by nearly everyone, this was an extraordinary achievement.
In a sport that often rewards speed and youth, Cliff’s victory was a reminder that willpower and a refusal to accept limits could turn the impossible into possible. The sheer audacity of his victory was made even more impressive by the fact that it was done in a manner that defied the traditional approach to ultramarathons. Instead of relying on the strategies of rest and recovery, Cliff’s unconventional and tireless determination propelled him to victory.
In the aftermath, Cliff was celebrated as a hero. His unlikely win captured the hearts of the Australian public, and his name became synonymous with perseverance. Australians admired not just his physical ability but his mental toughness and heart, qualities that resonated deeply with the national psyche. In a country that values hard work, determination, and a good sense of humor, Cliff Young became an iconic figure.
Cliff Young’s Legacy: More Than Just a Race Potato farmer
While Cliff Young’s victory was remarkable in its own right, his legacy has endured for more than just his triumph in the 1983 Sydney to Melbourne Ultramarathon. His story symbolizes more than athletic achievement—it embodies the universal message that age, experience, and expectations should never limit one’s pursuit of a dream.
In the years following his victory, Young went on to compete in other races, although none matched the magnitude of the Sydney to Melbourne event. However, he remained a beloved figure in Australian sport, and his story continued to inspire not only athletes but also anyone who faced challenges in life. His message was simple yet profound: never give up, and never let others dictate what you are capable of.
In the years after the race, Cliff would receive accolades from various corners of the sporting world, and his legacy would become firmly entrenched in Australian folklore. He was even awarded a medal for his remarkable achievement, and his victory helped raise awareness of ultramarathons and endurance sports within the Australian public.
What made Cliff Young’s story particularly compelling was that it demonstrated how an ordinary individual, with no formal training or background in sports, could achieve the extraordinary. It served as a reminder that it’s not always the most obvious or the most talented who succeed, but sometimes it is the quiet, unassuming person with heart and determination who rises to the challenge.
Conclusion: Cliff Young’s Unlikely Victory and Its Timeless Message Potato farmer
Cliff Young’s story is one of those rare instances in sport where the narrative transcends the confines of the event itself. It is a story about more than just a victory in an ultramarathon—it is a testament to the power of perseverance, mental toughness, and the refusal to accept conventional limits. Cliff’s triumph has inspired countless individuals over the years, proving that age and experience are not barriers but rather stepping stones to greatness.
In the end, what Cliff Young showed the world was not just how to shuffle through an ultramarathon but how to shuffle through life’s challenges—one step at a time, never giving up, and always moving forward. His remarkable journey from potato farmer to national hero is etched in the annals of Australian sport and folklore, a story that will continue to inspire generations to come.
