Member Profile - Mike Ballantyne

Mike Ballantyne

What made you start running?
I’ll try and keep this short! My wife had our fourth child when I was 42, I was quite unfit and overweight and realised if I was going to be around to see her grow up I needed to get my health in order. I started walking a lot and changing my eating habits and after losing some weight decided to start running sometimes to break up the monotony. I found that actually really enjoyed it and I have been ever since.

 How did you become a member of RCR?

A running friend of mine who helped me get started had recently begun running with RCR, so he invited me along.

How long have you been a member?

Around 2 ½ years now I think.

What sessions or events do you attend as a River City Runner?

I’m there most Saturday mornings and get to the Tuesday morning trail run as often as I can.

Where were you born?
Brisbane born and bred.

Running Nickname or Alias? (if you have one)

Haven’t managed to pick one up yet, I’m open to suggestions.

Something surprising most people won’t know about you?

I played around 2000 games of competitive Laser Tag when I was younger, and I wasn’t even much good.

Favourite place to run?
I really enjoy a good run near the ocean, I ran a few times around Mooloolaba recently, that was great.

Big goals you have over the next 12 months?

Hopefully doing a trail ultra next year.

Is there anything more you would like offered as a member River City Runners?

I’m partial to a share in a Ferrari, but the membership fees might not cover it.