Athlete Profile – Derek Hatch
Today’s Athlete Profile is on Derek Hatch. You will likely have seen Derek around if you have done any of the Townsville or Magnetic Island Adventurethons as he has done 8 of them. We spoke to him to find out what keeps bringing him back to Adventurethon (yep, we know…it’s because it’s awesome).
Have you competed in Adventurethon before – which ones?
I’ve competed in 8 Adventurethons, mainly individual but in a team on a couple occasions. 4 Maggie Island & 4 Pallarenda
Have you always been active?
Most of the time I’ve been reasonably active but I’ve really gotten into the fitness lifestyle in the last 5 years
Why Adventurethon? And what keeps bringing you back?
It’s a great personal challenge, It’s a tough & challenging race but more importantly it is an achievable goal for anyone who set’s their mind on completing the race. Oh & there is a great group of people involved
Tell us about why do you do off road events
They are just a lot more fun, interesting & adventurous.
Where do you feel your strengths lie?
Mental determination…..oh and throw in a bit of stubbornness
Who inspires you to push yourself and why?
Gonzo Hooper & Mirsad Turcinovic (two good friends) Because they are both great men who always have time to encourage, inspire and motivate others to improve themselves and become better people.
How important is your support crew to achieving your goals?
It’s really important to have a great bunch of friends who support and encourage each other (A big shout out to Jess Dennis) Friendly rivalry is always good.
What does your race day breakfast look like?
A coffee with a hazelnut shot & a bag of donuts
What piece of advice would you give someone attempting their first Adventurethon?
Believe in yourself. Oh & take $10 with you as you might need to get an Ice cream along the way
What is the difference between Maggie Island Adventurethon and (Pallarenda) National Challenge?
hmm that’s a tough one…… Maggie Island you seem to be racing more against yourself . With Pallarenda there is usually someone nearby to race against…and chat to
So we heard that you are heading off to Nepal to volunteer as a carpenter. What made you want to do this?I was going to do the Everest base camp hike anyway & I was always going to volunteer overseas. So it just made sense to get Derek’s carpentry into action in Nepal instead of Townsville.
(Derek will be heading to Nepal in September (after the initial clean up is done and basic services are back) to help with the rebuilding, offering his services on a volunteer basis. If you would like to give a donation towards the cause find the information HERE. All funds raised will be going directly back into purchasing materials for building)
May 8, 2015
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