From Boardroom to Brutal Hills: Why I’m Running the Hamilton Island Hilly Half

By Sam, Owner of Hunter Careers

As a business owner, I’m used to pushing through challenges – tight deadlines, high-pressure decisions, and the occasional urgent email at 4:59pm on a Friday. But on May 4th, I’ll be tackling a challenge of a different kind: running the Hamilton Island Hilly Half Marathon.

That’s 24km of heat, humidity, and hills that make Mount Lofty look like a warm-up. If you’d told me six months ago that I’d voluntarily sign up for something like this, I would have laughed and reached for a glass of wine.

But when Ida (aka elite NY marathon finisher) asked me to take part in this event to raise money for Joe’s charity Sliding Doors, I couldn’t say no. What started as a way to support an incredible cause quickly became something bigger. A personal challenge to push my limits, both mentally and physically.

A Mission, Not Just a Race

Somewhere along the way, I found myself on a mission; not just to run this race, but to become the fittest, healthiest version of myself. It seemed like a natural extension of all I’d been doing – a three-month alcohol detox, prioritising health and training, and, most importantly, surrounding myself with the right people; those who push me to be better, hold me accountable, and make the whole process way more enjoyable.

Like Matt owner of Plumbify, who is ridiculously fit and somehow convinced me that high-intensity workouts in his workshop gym were a good idea. His sessions are brutal (in the best way), and he recently introduced me to Throwdown Friday at V2 Fitness, run by Beau. If you attend one of these sessions, you’ll feel absolutely wrecked, but leave feeling accomplished. Matt kickstarted me on this journey, has kept me mentally on track, and I will forever appreciate it.

Then there’s the amazing Kerrie from in2health, who has been a game-changer in helping me get my body functioning optimally and increasing energy levels, as well as being the best gym partner and health and fitness inspo. And of course, Sam from Electric Environs, who is the GOAT of running up hills and makes sure I never slack off. He’s not afraid to call me out when I need it, and I probably need it more often than I’d like to admit.

Will I Actually Finish This Race?

That’s the big question, isn’t it? I’d love to say I’m completely confident, but the truth is this is going to be tough. I’ll be battling heat, humidity, and hills that will test every bit of training I’ve done. There’s a good chance I’ll be hating myself somewhere around the halfway mark.

But that’s the whole point. Growth happens in the moments when you’re unsure if you can keep going, but you do anyway. Whether I cross the finish line strong or crawling, I know this challenge will make me stronger, both mentally and physically.

For anyone thinking about taking on a challenge this year, whether it’s in fitness, business, or life in general, just start. Surround yourself with good people. Commit to the process. And if all else fails, just keep putting one foot in front of the other.

See you at the finish line… hopefully! 🤞