Chasing the Impossible: A Father’s Journey to the 100km Guzzler Ultra Trail Marathon

By Dave Montoya – Ultra Runner, Dedicated Dad and General Manager of Operations at Snap Fitness clubs Moorooka, Kingaroy & North Shore

On the morning of July 19, 2025, at 6:00am, I’ll stand at the start line of the 100km Guzzler Ultra Trail Marathon - an epic 105km adventure through rugged landscapes with a staggering 4,500+ meters of elevation gain. This isn’t just a race; it’s a journey that will push my body and mind to their absolute limits. But more than that, it’s about testing myself, inspiring my family, and facing down the challenges that life throws at us all.

A Day in the Life of an Ultra Runner Dad

Balancing family, work, and training is no easy feat, but I’ve learned that when you’re truly passionate, you find a way. For me, that means waking up between 3:00 and 3:30am most days. While the world still sleeps, I’m lacing up my shoes and heading out into the quiet streets - and believe me, they really are quiet! Rain or shine, heat or cold, these early runs are non-negotiable. They’re the foundation of my training, averaging 65.2km per week so far this year (for all you stat-lovers out there!).

By 5:00–5:15am, I’m home again, ready to shower and help get my daughters ready for school. At 6:30am, I drop them off at before-school care - a morning whirlwind I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Next, it’s off to work as General Manager of Operations for Snap Fitness clubs in Moorooka, Kingaroy and North Shore. But before I dive into my day, I squeeze in a 60–90-minute strength training session at 7:00am. These workouts are essential, building the resilience and power I’ll need to conquer the ultra-marathon - and because I genuinely love the challenge of strength work.

After breakfast (my first meal since waking at 3am, since I run fasted midweek), it’s straight into a full day’s work, often not wrapping up until 6:00 or 7:00pm. It’s a long day, but knowing I’ve balanced training, family, and work makes it all worthwhile.

Weekends: The Long Run Challenge

Weekends are when my training ramps up. While most people savour extra sleep, I look forward to my long runs which are usually 3–5 hours on my feet. These runs are the backbone of my preparation, building the endurance and mental toughness I’ll need for the gruelling 100km ahead.

I still start my days as early as 3 or 4 a.m., even on weekends, to make sure my training doesn’t cut into precious family time. This way, I can enjoy quality weekends with my loved ones without compromising my fitness goals. That’s right—finish a near marathon in the morning, then it’s straight off to do the groceries! 

Why I Do It: Running for Mental Health and Men’s Wellbeing

For me, running is more than a hobby or a way to stay fit. It’s a lifeline—a powerful tool for mental health, especially as a man who’s faced inner struggles and knows the weight of silence that so many men carry.

Running is therapy. When I’m out on the trails, everything else fades away. The noise of daily life, the pressures of work, the weight of anxiety and depression—it all melts into the rhythm of my feet hitting the ground. In those moments, I’m free. I’m present. I’m alive.

Too often, men are taught to suppress their emotions, to “tough it out” alone. But running has taught me the opposite: that strength comes from acknowledging our struggles, from seeking out healthy ways to cope, and from sharing our stories. I run to show my daughters that vulnerability is not weakness - it’s courage. I run to prove to myself, and to other men, that it’s okay to talk about mental health, to seek help, and to find peace in movement.

Running is my way of saying, “I’m here. I’m fighting. I’m not giving up.” And if my journey inspires even one man to take a step—literally or figuratively—toward better mental health, then every mile is worth it.

Looking Ahead to the Guzzler

As the 100km Guzzler Ultra Trail Marathon approaches, I feel a mix of excitement and nerves. But more than anything, I feel proud - proud of the journey so far, and proud to be setting a real example for my daughters and those around me. This race is about taking on a challenge, not just chasing a dream. It’s about showing up, putting in the work, and seeing what’s possible when you commit to something difficult. 

If I can accomplish this goal, it will set the stage for an even bigger test: later this year, I’ll be aiming to tackle the KosciMiler, a 161km race through the rugged terrain of the Snowy Mountains. All of this is part of a larger plan, working step by step toward the ultimate challenge—conquering Moab240, a 240-mile (386km) ultra through the canyons and deserts of Utah, America. 

Each race is a milestone, a chance to grow, and a reminder that with persistence, even the most daunting goals can be within reach.

If you’re inspired by this story, remember: the only limits that exist are the ones you set for yourself. Here’s to taking on the impossible - one step at a time.

Follow me on STRAVA - Dave Montoya