Until he went back in 2025 and slumped to a disappointing 6:25.
So on Saturday he was a man on a mission, and stopping the clock at 4:59 he was back.
And now he’s planning to return to the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb in 2027 and go even faster.
“It’s a phenomenal experience and for such a fantastic cause, raising money for Lifeline, 000 and Peter Mac,” Joe said.
“Although I was the only one doing the run from Echuca this year, our captain, Dan Moylan, was working with the event crew, washing down the sets being used by runners.
“While I have been working on my strength for the past year at Anytime Fitness, I admit I am really feeling it now in my legs, thighs and glutes.”
Despite his amazing time, Joe said he actually got to the start line a little concerned he had not done enough preparation.
He said he did not think he had trained as hard, even though he was hitting the stair master and doing some road running.
“I remember thinking as I was getting kitted up that this might not go too well,” Joe laughed.
“You really have to be strong mentally and physically to go hard all the way, but you also have the inspiration of knowing every dollar raised is going to help a lot of people.”
Joe works as a bartender at Moama Bowling Club, which kicked in $250 towards his total of $1225.
He said MBC had been fantastic with his CFA commitments and never hesitated to support him whenever he got a fire alarm.
“My target this year was $1000, so to get a good time and get more than that was a win for me and a win for the causes this run supports,” he said.
“As soon as I don’t hurt so much, I’ll start training for 2027.”
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