It was his first marathon - and he won it. James Asquith, co-director of Kiama Downs support work company Movement Five, took out the Run Shellharbour Marathon on April 6.

Not only did Asquith get the win, but it also became a community moment for Movement Five.

Staff members and participants were out on the course either running or manning the water stations, creating an atmosphere of support that Asquith credits for helping him reach the finish line.

“We had five clients running the aid station and three others joined in the five-kilometre fun run with a staff member, which was so awesome,” says Asquith.

“Plus, we had 10 staff members doing the half marathon.

"So it was actually really engaging, as far as runs go, because I was kind of keeping my eye out, looking for familiar people as opposed to worrying about how fast I was going or how much further I had to go to run.”

James Asquith running past one of the Movement Five aid stations. Source: James Asquith

Asquith crossed the finish line in front of 166 other competitors in a remarkable 2 hours, 52 minutes and 53 seconds - well under his ambitious sub-three-hour goal.

“I thought I might be able to crack three hours, but being my first marathon, I knew it’d be tough,” he says.

“Everyone talks about the 32-kilometre mark, when you hit the wall. I was a bit hesitant to set a big goal because of that.

But once I hit 21 kilometres, I felt really confident - like I could not only meet the goal, but beat it. That was a great feeling.”

Running, he says, has become more than just a physical challenge - it’s a tool for mental clarity, and something he hopes to share with the people Movement Five supports.

“The endorphins I get from running outdoors, and the lift in energy and productivity that lasts for hours afterwards - I haven’t found that in any other sport,” Asquith says.

“A big part of what we’re trying to promote at Movement Five is going beyond traditional support work and becoming more like mentors.

"If we can be positive role models, show up for ourselves, and pursue what brings us joy, then hopefully the people we support will feel inspired to do the same.”

As for what’s next, Asquith has set his sights high on a future place in the Boston Marathon.

The Movement Five support crew. Source: James Asquith

“There are qualifying times and specific events you have to run at - and only a few of those happen around the world,” he says.

“But that would be the ultimate goal.”

Asquith’s marathon success is more than just a personal milestone - it’s a testament to the strength of the Movement Five community he’s helped build.