17/07/2025
The Guzzler Ultra is happening soon – a gruelling set of trail races which run past Brisbane’s oldest reservoirs in the order they were built: Enoggera Reservoir, Gold Creek Reservoir and Lake Manchester.
Some runners, however, eat 100km for breakfast - like John Walsh, who has done all seven!
“The Guzzler is one of my favourite events,” says John.
“I really enjoy them. The Trail Co puts on a great event. It's well organised, and it gets better each year.
“What I particularly like about the Guzzler is the is the community feel to it. Every checkpoint you go through is run by a different group. It's great running through them, seeing friends and meeting people. That's what makes it special.”
John was previously a road runner, and had finished the Gold Coast marathon before looking for a new challenge on the trails.
“I went to enter the 50km, but it was full - so I thought, let's try the 100km! Worst case, I'll walk in from Lake Manchester. And that's pretty much what happened. But I've improved. Even though I'm getting older, I'm still improving.”
John says that the running trails around Brisbane are one of his favourite things about living in SEQ.
"I love when I see people out on the trails, especially people who might be new to the trails, because the more people that do it, the more appreciation we’ll have for nature and the more effort that will be put into preserving it.”
And if you’re just starting your running journey, John has one simple tip:
“Have fun! And enjoy the people you're running with. Of course there’s a competitive element to it, but if you're if you're a mid-packer, as most of us are, enjoy it and enjoy the company.
“Some of my best friends are people I've met racing then you end up going for training runs together. So, my advice is to enjoy the social side of it. It’s a very welcoming community.”
Read our full interview with Rowan and fellow 100km runners on our blog: https://urbanu.com.au/Meet-Runners-Racing-100km