On Sunday, 7 July 2024, Adelaide man Ben Green, who lives with multiple sclerosis, will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for running a marathon, while also aiming to raise awareness of the neurological condition.
Ben, a seasoned marathon participant, is attempting to break the record for the ‘fastest marathon with multiple sclerosis (male)’, which was set in April at the TCS London Marathon by a UK man with a time of 3hr 7min 24sec. Ben is eyeing a 2hr 45min finish time for the 42.195km ASICS Gold Coast Marathon.
“I came across the world record and thought ‘why wouldn’t I try and beat that?’” Ben says.
The 26-year-old, a fitness enthusiast and avid footballer who finds solace in running for his mental wellbeing, has been training hard in preparation of the marathon.
“I love the idea that it’s just your body, and not any other external factors, that gets you across the line,” Ben says.
“At the end of the day it’s about how strong you are mentally, focusing on your breathing…getting one foot in front of the other.”
His health has especially been a priority since his shock MS diagnosis at just 20 years old.
“Honestly, as a 20-year-old I didn’t really know anything about MS apart from the ads for the MS lotteries I’d seen on TV,” he says.
“I remember I asked the MS nurse for a really simple explanation about what MS was, and I don’t think it hit me straight away what it meant (for me).”
Soon after diagnosis, Ben had an infusion treatment, which “knocks you around a bit”, and has thankfully experienced good health in the years since.
“I’ve definitely had some slumps in those six years though…(being) in a bad headspace thinking about the future,” he says.
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Often described as an ‘invisible illness’, multiple sclerosis affects everyone differently, something Ben understands.
“My MS is pretty much inactive at this point, which is really good,” he says.
“To be honest, I don’t want this marathon to be seen as something that’s good for someone with MS, I’m pushing myself and training more than the average person.
“I don’t think of myself as less advantaged, but I hope it inspires other people in similar situations who are thinking it might stop them from doing anything.”
Ben credits a strong support system, which includes the MS Society SA & NT, for helping him on his journey.
“When I was diagnosed, Emma (MS Society nurse) would call me a lot and come to my treatments in hospital,” he says.
“Having someone like Emma who understood MS and who I could be honest with, and even just having someone there from the start to help, that was huge.
“So many different outlets were provided to me…it was so beneficial to have the MS Society around to help, not everyone battling an illness has that.”
MS Society SA & NT Chief Executive, Jannine Jackson, says Ben’s record-breaking attempt and outlook on life is inspiring.
“I’m always inspired to go further and do more when I hear stories like Ben’s, and I wish him all the best as he takes on this challenge – we’ll all certainly be cheering him on,” Ms Jackson says.
“I appreciate Ben for his efforts in raising awareness about MS, which affects more than 3000 people in South Australia and the Northern Territory, and for which there is no cure. Increasing awareness is a crucial step in our journey towards finding a cure.”
Track Ben’s run by downloading the Gold Coast Marathon app.
Image: Lochie Fuller Photography.