By Harriet Edmund, photography Dominic Loneragan

Mark Ferguson, 45, Seven News presenter, Mosman, New South Wales

Running the New York City Marathon in 2009 (3:40:34) was a day I will never forget. The crowds were incredible from the first kilometre to the last. I was completely gone when I crossed the line, but I was thrilled with my time.

I love the idea of making a long term commitment to running a marathon. Building your willpower along with your fitness is a wonderful journey. I also love the history of the marathon – it’s my favourite two hours and 10 minutes at any Olympics.

My secret to juggling work, family and running is to start early. I try to train before the sun comes up. It’s a great way to start the day and it doesn’t eat into family time. In fact, the morning rush to school always seems to go a lot smoother post run than post sleep in!

My wife Jayne also runs. We often tag team at the front door. I hope our running encourages our children to stay active. My oldest boy is now rowing and my middle boy is enjoying Little Athletics, so there’s plenty of puffing at our place.

I suffered some serious ligament damage a few months ago playing backyard soccer with my boys. But I’d like to think I’m on the comeback trail. I’m clocking about 30K a week and aiming to finish a half marathon in the lead up to the Blackmores Sydney Marathon in September.

I also cycle a few times a week. It helps maintain my aerobic fitness without adding too much stress on ageing legs.

I started running with my dad in Tamworth when I was about nine. We would run the Tamworth Ten each year and come down to Sydney to take on the City2Surf. They are great memories.

I am a big fan of Rob de Castella – I was about 15 when he won Gold at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane (2:09:18) and it was truly thrilling. He was so tough – probably still is. The late Kerryn McCann was also an absolute star.

Running adds a lot to your life. Physically and mentally I feel much stronger when I’m running well. It’s wonderful for stress levels – and for me – great thinking time.

From the May 2011 issue of Runner’s World