For Wavell Heights runner Jack Vander Velde, the road to this year’s major endurance events starts before the day properly begins, with early alarms, long kilometres and a training schedule built around work and university.
Early Starts In Wavell Heights
Wavell Heights resident Jack Vander Velde is preparing for one of his busiest endurance seasons yet, with three marathons and his first Ironman 70.3 event ahead.
His calendar includes the Gold Coast Marathon, Sunshine Coast Marathon, Sydney Marathon and Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie. Behind those events is a daily routine shaped by early starts, careful planning and a growing commitment to long-distance racing.
Jack had shown a natural ability for distance running before marathon training became a serious focus. The shift came about four years ago, after his father began running marathon distances. That gave Jack a reason to test himself over the same challenge.
He went on to enter the Queenstown Marathon in New Zealand, followed by the Brisbane Marathon and Sunshine Coast Marathon. At Sunshine Coast, he broke the three-hour mark and recorded a personal best.
His recorded results include a 3:04:18 finish at the 2024 Queenstown Marathon and a 2:50:25 finish at the 2025 Sunshine Coast Marathon, where he placed third in his category. He also completed the 2025 Bridge to Brisbane 10km in 34:18.
A Routine Built Around Training
Jack’s week includes 60 to 70 kilometres of running across five days. His program combines interval sessions, speed work, easier runs and a long run, supported by swimming, cycling and strength training.
He also takes part in Kedron Parkrun each weekend and has a local training link through Old Skool Run Club in Wavell Heights, which meets on Thursday mornings at Retro Espresso.
The training load sits alongside work and university commitments. Jack structures his days around early starts so training can be completed before the rest of the day begins.
Family and friends have also been part of his support network, along with his girlfriend, best mate and the Wavell Heights running group.
From Marathons To A First Triathlon
Jack’s goals for the year include finishing each of his three marathons in under two hours and 30 minutes.
The Gold Coast Marathon is scheduled for 5 July 2026, followed by the Sunshine Coast Marathon on 2 August 2026 and the Sydney Marathon on 30 August 2026.
Later in the year, he is aiming to complete Ironman 70.3 Port Macquarie in less than five hours. The 18 October 2026 event includes a 1.9-kilometre swim, 90-kilometre bike leg and 21.1-kilometre run.
The Port Macquarie race will be Jack’s first triathlon. After this year’s events, he plans to attempt a full Ironman next year and eventually compete in endurance events around the world.
Published 1-July-2026
