From Parkrun To The Podium 14-Year-Old Jake Conquers The Copperlode

By Victoria Velton

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At just 14 years old, Cardwell runner Jake Ball has already added his name to the perpetual trophy at one of the region’s challenging running events.

Jake recently took out the Copperlode Cup, finishing first overall at the top of the 14-kilometre course from the first gate on Lake Morris Road to Copperlode Dam in Cairns.

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The course is predominantly uphill, with 40 participants registered for this year’s event, including just three juniors. Results are not separated by age, making Jake’s achievement even more impressive.

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Jake’s mum, Kellie, said the family first discovered running through Cardwell parkrun, after Jake’s dad, Dave, was looking for an activity the family could enjoy together.

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“Jake’s dad Dave was looking for an activity he could do with the kids. We saw some Facebook posts about Cardwell parkrun and thought we would check it out,” Kellie said.

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Eight years later, parkrun has become an integral part of the family’s week, with the family attending whether running or volunteering, usually for at least 45 weeks of the year.

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“The friendships made through parkrun and the community of parkrun are what keep us returning each week,” Kellie said.

For Jake, the weekly parkrun became and opportunity for him beyond running. Meeting people of different ages and backgrounds, while also providing role models who have encouraged him to push himself.

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“Jake has learnt to interact with people of all ages and different backgrounds through parkrun. He has found role models and now pushes himself to try and run as well as some of those role models,” Kellie said.

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Those connections have also introduced Jake to longer-distance running events, including the Townsville Running Festival, Cairns Marathon Festival and events run by Outer Limits and Adventure Sport NQ.

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Running now forms a significant part of Jake’s week. He averages four runs, including two sessions with running coach Joshua Chugg, Saturday parkrun and a long run on Sunday morning. He also attends the gym once or twice a week and incorporates swimming and athletics into his routine.

For now, running remains a hobby, although Jake already has his sights set further down the track, with an interest in taking on ultramarathons when he is older.

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The Copperlode Cup came about after the family heard about the event through another running family Jake also swims with. With a goal of beating a friend’s previous time, Jake instead went on to claim the fastest finish.

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He reached the top first, with the first female finisher just eight seconds behind him and the second-place male three minutes further back.

Jake’s name will now sit alongside previous male winners on the perpetual trophy, with the young runner also receiving a $50 gift card to The Good Run in Cairns.

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From a family activity discovered on Facebook to standing at the top of a 14-kilometre climb, Jake’s journey shows how a simple weekly run can grow into something much bigger and there may be plenty more peaks ahead for this young Cardwell runner.

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