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Cliff Young - Potato Farmer and Ultrarunner

How ageing potato farmer Cliff Young, became an Australian running legend at the age of 61.

In 1983, a 61 year old potato farmer called Cliff Young stunned Australia by winning an epic running race between Sydney and Melbourne.

The victory made Young a legend and helped put ultra-running on the map as a sport.

Witness speaks to ultra-running great Tony Rafferty, who lost to Cliff Young in the 1983 race.

PHOTO: Cliff Young training in gumboots. (Getty Images Sport)

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10 minutes

Last on

Mon 2 Apr 201201:50GMT
BBC World Service Online

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  • Sat 31 Mar 201209:50GMT
    BBC World Service Online
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    BBC World Service Online

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