Jacob Lynch before and after transformation.

Jacob Lynch, 29 from Brisbane set himself a mammoth goal of completing a triathlon, half marathon and a full marathon all before his 30th birthday this coming August! Jacob was able to complete the triathlon in March narrowly scraping in before the COVID -19 crisis worsened and lockdown was implemented, however this was not going to stop him “ I have been training with the expectation that everything would be cancelled due to COVID, my goals haven’t changed and I am going to do the half in July regardless”. 

“….in January 2018 at 135kg, I decided I’d had enough”  

Distance running had always been a love of Jacobs since school but following an accident at the age of 24 where he was hit by a vehicle while riding his bike, he was left struggling to find that drive and motivation. “When I was 24, I was hit by a vehicle and piled on a lot of weight over the years to come due to a lack of confidence and desire to keep active, then in January 2018 at 135kg, I decided I’d had enough”.  

“I like to use running as a tool to clear my head and relax” 

Jacob signed up to his local football club and ventured back to his local parkrun and in just over two years lost he has lost a staggering 50kg! After hitting some major weight and fitness goals Jacob has regained his passion for running “I like to use running as a tool to clear my head and relax, I also see people of all ages out running every day and love that it’s something anyone can do at any age if the desire is there”. The father of four hopes he can inspire and support his own children to live happy and healthy lives and maybe even one day take up running like their dad “I hope my kids love it as much as I do when they’re older and who knows we might do the Gold Coast Marathon event in 10 years’ time as a family”. 

“I will be running 25km per day for 12 days straight” 

Jacob is planning to complete his Village Road Show Theme Parks Virtual Half Marathon in mid – July  

but with a slight twist.  He will also be taking on the Challenge 30 for the Lung Foundation Australia, raising awareness for Lung cancer “I will be running 25km per day for 12 days straight, kicking everything off with the Gold Coast Asics Virtual Half Marathon. I’d love all support from the running community to join in and spread awareness for a great cause.”  

All the best for your events throughout July Jacob, we will be eagerly tracking your progress!  

(IG: @project_jake_)  

The Village Roadshow Theme Parks Virtual Marathon is off and racing for the month of July! With currently over 28,000 race entrants of all ages and abilities from over 65 countries taking on one of the six distances on offer including the Village Roadshow Theme Parks Gold Coast Virtual Marathon, ASICS Virtual Half Marathon, Southern Cross University Virtual 10km Run, Gold Coast Airport Virtual 5km Fun Run and the 4km and 2km Junior Dash. 

Written By – Courtney Nicholson