You may remember we recently introduced Lee Morgan, this year’s official City-Bay Star. Lee is no stranger to the race – in fact, he’s preparing to run his 50th City-Bay 12km this year! As part of this milestone, we caught up with Lee for a few fun and insightful questions to get to know the man behind the miles.

So, Lee what do you do?

I am 68 years old and retired after working in the water and environmental areas of South Australian and Northern Territory Governments (i.e., SA Water, EPA, NT Power and Water, Premiers Department, Southeast Water Conservation & Drainage Board). I am currently involved in developing a website for my small business connected with my regional projects that are tourist orientated including a revamp of the Camperdown Visitor Information Centre and doing some South Australian based projects as well.  

Where do you live?

I split my time between Southwest Victoria in Camperdown, plus Adelaide and Point Turton on Yorke Peninsula. Both my partner Shirley and I like caravanning (to do some hikes and walks), plus travel to see our children and grandchildren in the Adelaide Hills and Townsville. I have previously resided in Lockleys, Stirling (Adelaide Hills), Mount Gambier, Millicent and Alice Springs. 

So, you like hiking what are your best memories?

I am proud to say that I have climbed the highest mountain in the UK namely Ben Nevis and have also climbed Mt Fuji in Japan. These were great adventures and were exhilarating and felt like a great achievement. The other one that was prominent for me was the Oxfam 100km walk in 2002 along the Heysen Trail. These days I like running and walking sections of rail- trails across Australia. I still have a desire to do the Coast to Coast Walk in the UK. 

What has been your best training run?

Unashamedly this is a location name-drop… my best “spine tingling’ run was in New York City in 2009. It felt like I was in the film ‘Rocky’ with the course commencing in 9th Avenue doing the full length of Central Park, then via 5th Avenue to the Empire State Building on 34th Street. 

Favourite food, drinks & sweet treats?

I’m not a big meat eater. I enjoy Shirley’s zucchini slice, or making a veggie stir-fry with cumin, lime juice, ginger, and arancini balls.
I start each day with plain water and often have sparkling mineral water with cranberry juice. In winter, I enjoy a glass of red wine, and in summer, a dry cider or ginger beer.
Strangely I am a huge fan of Chester Squares that is a South Australian heritage cake and is also known as #SouthAussieSinker or Irish Gur Cake. So much so I have set up a Facebook site known as Best Chester Slice. So, I guess that is another dimension to my persona. 

Favourite artist, shows & movies?

I’m a huge Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music fan – especially his version of Johnny and Mary.
TV-wise, I enjoy Backroads, Australian Story, and Media Watch on ABC. I follow the Crows during footy season and always tune in for athletics coverage.
My top movies include Chariots of Fire, Finding Your Feet, Lost in Translation, and Lawrence of Arabia – I’m not a fan of action blockbusters.

What time of the day do you train?

I am very opportunistic on when I go out for a run or walk, and it depends on when and where I am staying. I view my running shoes as my gym membership and love to do short or long jaunts across the countryside, suburbia or in the city.  I do aspire to get out in the mornings though as that sets you up for the remainder of the day.

What other sports are you in to?

I really enjoy tennis – nothing is better than having a solid singles game or a sociable doubles game.
I also enjoy a bit of swimming when I am close to a pool or in shark/crocodile free waters!

Final Question…. what are your health and running goals?

I try to do some push-ups and sit-ups each day, and I am conscious of my weight. I usually have a weigh in on Monday mornings.
Each year I have an annual goal of running or walking 1500km per year. That means I try to achieve about 29 kms per week but this varies depending on when I am travelling so sometimes, I might go for a long jaunt on a rail trail. My other obvious goal is to get to the City Bay starting line each year!

Keep up to date with Lee’s inspiring journey as he prepares to cross the City-Bay Fun Run finish line for the 50th time in 2025. We’ll continue sharing updates, training insights, and stories from Lee in our upcoming EDMs.
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