80 And Unstoppable

David Isbister Sets New Parkrun Record

By Hannah McNamara

You wouldn’t think he’s 80, but Mr David Isbister is living proof that determination, consistency and a love of movement can carry you to record-breaking results.

The Mackay local recently broke a long-standing parkrun record in the 80+ age category, achieving the milestone on the same weekend as his 80th birthday. Encouraged by fellow parkrun organisers and supported by a dedicated pacer, David shaved more than two minutes off the previous record during a bustling Saturday event that attracted around 400 participants.

“They said to try for the record, so I just kept working along and eventually got it,” David said.

“They gave me the time I had to beat, and I thought, yeah, that sounds all right. We all ran together and I ended up breaking it by more than two minutes.”

The timing, he said, made the achievement even more special.

“It happened on the same weekend as my 80th birthday, which made it pretty special,” he said with a smile.

The run quickly turned into a celebration of community, with David’s son and daughters joining him alongside friends and peers from Mackay Road Runners, Mackay parkrun, cycling groups, rugby clubs and volunteer networks. Later that day, around 100 people gathered to celebrate his birthday, bringing together decades of friendships forged through sport, service and shared experiences.

“Everyone from parkrun, Road Runners, and my mates from cycling, rugby and Orange Sky turned up for my birthday… it was great catching up with everyone,” he said.

“It was a great day, and it meant a lot to spend it with my family and good friends.”

Born in New Zealand, David’s life has always revolved around sport and staying active. Over the years he has taken part in rowing, rugby, running, triathlons, cycling and golf, clocking more than 40 years as a runner alone. He competed in triathlons for around two decades before narrowing his focus to running and cycling, which still feature prominently in his weekly routine.

“I’ve been running for about 40 years,” he said.

“I did triathlons for about 20 years, then stuck with running and cycling… but keeping active is the main thing.”

One of his most memorable achievements came well off the beaten track. David trekked to Mount Everest Base Camp with family members, astonishing younger hikers along the way. His son Izzy recalls fit, thirty-something trekkers struggling for breath while David powered ahead.

“There were thirty-year-olds out of breath, and then here’s dad charging up the mountain in front of them,” Izzy said.

“We were all amazed. He’s a bit of a mountain goat.”

That competitive streak, paired with quiet humility, has clearly left its mark on the whole family. David’s wife Faye was a long-time netball coach, and their children grew up immersed in sport – from basketball, soccer and cricket to rugby, netball, triathlons and cross-fit – often moving from one training session to the next.

Beyond sport, David also gives back through volunteering with Orange Sky, often riding his bike to and from shifts to help support people in need.

And when asked what advice he would give to others, David keeps it simple.

“It doesn’t matter what age you are…just keep going,” he said.

“Don’t leave it too late. Start early and keep it up. Don’t overdo it, but don’t stop either.”

When he’s not chasing a new personal best, David enjoys spending time with his wife Faye, his three children Izzy, Kylie and Lauren, and his five grandchildren – Archer, Cooper, Blake, Harry and Molly.

At 80, with records broken, mountains climbed and a community firmly behind him, David Isbister shows no signs of slowing down.

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Mackay local David Isbister celebrated his 80th birthday by breaking the parkrun 80+ age category record, proving that a lifelong commitment to staying active can deliver extraordinary results at any age. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

Photo source: Mackay Parkrun

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