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- In short: Launceston marathon runner Michael Booth has chased down an impressive feat, reaching his goal of running 100 marathons
- What's next? Mr Booth has no plans to slow down and has more marathons in his sights
To run just one marathon is a massive achievement for most people — Launceston's Michael Booth has just finished his 100th.
The 69-year-old hit the milestone when he crossed the finish line at the Sunshine Coast Marathon in Queensland on Sunday, finishing in a time of just under four and a half hours.
"It's quite momentous," he said.
"I never started off running marathons thinking that I'd reach a certain number. I just did it because I enjoyed running.
"As I got into the 80s I could see a finish line up over the horizon, but it still wasn't necessarily a goal. I just kept running because I enjoyed it.
"As I got closer into the 90s, I thought, 'Gee I'm going to do 100.'"
It was a massive effort, but a low-key celebration for the Riverside grandfather.
"Chocolate milkshake and a nice lunch … I don't drink alcohol so I don't go down that path," he said.
His son Steven and wife Christine were on the course to cheer him on around the multi-lap course on the Sunshine Coast.
"They were having breakfast at a cafe along the track and cheered me on each time I passed," Mr Booth said.
Mr Booth only took up running in 2002 when he was 48, but was quickly hooked. It all started when the retired accountant went for a run with his brother.
"Running up and down Cormiston Road in Riverside with my brother 20 years ago, I wasn't even sure I was going to continue running," he said.
"It felt good and I just kept going."
It is now a part of his life and he has got has some significant running achievements under his belt.