Just keep running - the story of Cliff Young
Cliff Young
The story of Cliff Young has always fascinated me. If you have not heard of Cliff Young, then let me tell you a story of how a 61-year-old farmer turned the professional running world upside-down.
In 1983, Australia hosted its ultramarathon, a 573.7-mile foot race from Sydney to Melbourne. This race takes days to run. Professionals from all over the world came to participate. Shortly before the race began, a 61-year-old farmer named Cliff Young, wearing overalls and galoshes over his boots, walked up to the registration table and requested a number to enter the race. The people at the registration table thought it was a joke—that somebody was setting them up—so they laughed. But Cliff Young said, "No, I'd really like to run." So, they gave him a number and pinned it on his old overalls.
Cliff Young walked over to the start of the race. All the other professional runners, who were decked out in all their running regalia, looked at him like he was crazy. The crowd snickered. They laughed even more when the gun went off and the race began, because all those professional runners had sculpted bodies and beautiful strides, but not Cliff Young. He didn't even run like a runner. Cliff Young ran with an awkward, goofy-looking shuffle. All through the crowd people were laughing, and finally, someone called out, "Get that old fool off the track!"
Five days, 14 hours, and four minutes later, at 1:25 am, Cliff Young shuffled across the finish line of the 573.7-mile ultramarathon. He had won the race. And he didn't win by a matter of minutes or even an hour or two. The second-place runner was nine hours and 56 minutes behind him. Cliff Young had set a new world record for the ultramarathon. The press mobbed him wondering what kind of special running shoes he must have had, and they rummaged through his backpack wondering what he'd survived on—he'd lived primarily on pumpkin seeds and water—and then they discovered the secret to his success: Cliff Young had shuffled his way to victory without ever sleeping. The other runners would run for 18 hours straight, and then stop and sleep for three or four hours. He endured running five days, 14 hours, and four minutes at the age of 61.
There is a lesson for us in this story. Writing to the Galatians Paul encourages the church to not grow weary.
“And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary.” (Galatians 6:9, NASB)
Writing to the Thessalonians Paul encourages the church not to sleep but to be alert and sober.
“But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” (1 Thessalonians 5:4–6, NASB)
James commands us to “be patient… until the coming of the Lord.”
“Be patient, therefore, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious produce of the soil, being patient about it, until it gets the early and late rains. You too be patient; strengthen your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand.” (James 5:7–8, NASB)
The theme in all of these passages is not to quit, but rather be faithful and persevere until the end. Or as Cliff Young might instruct: start running, keep running, and keep on running until you reach the finish line. At times you may not have good form or a strong stride. You may even be goofy in your galoshes and awkward in your stride. You may be old, or you may be young. The crowd may snicker and jeer. But we are not running for the approval of the crowd. Our goal is not the admiration of men. We are running for the Lord. We are running for the prize, for the wreath, for the finish line (1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:14). So, get started and keep on going. Anyone can start strong but the prize only is awarded to those who finish the race. Do not quit until you reach the finish line.
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