Josh Torley grew up chasing his siblings around Erindale Oval and it is still the up-and-coming ACT athlete's favourite spot to train.
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The 17-year-old from Florey ran a close second to Brad Croker in the 10km event at the 2016 Australian Running Festival and hopes will be back on Sunday with aims to be a front runner in the half marathon.
"I did pretty good in the 10km last year and I've done a couple of halfs now, including the YMCA one which I won, so I thought it was time I give the Canberra one a crack," he said.
The young middle distance runner has been pushing himself to compete in longer distance events and said his goal was to run the 21km event in less than 70 minutes.
He is committed to daily training and has set his sights on running his first marathon event in Melbourne later this year.
The local said he loves the sport but also the social community that has supported him as he has developed.
"I train every day and I try to do Park Run every Saturday," he said. "All the guys from Park Run give me a bit of motivation. Even though they are not the same pace they still get around me."
Torley travels frequently for athletics competitions but said nothing beat a run at home around Lake Burley Griffin, along Isaacs Ridge or around Erindale Oval where his running memories began.
"I started running when I was about seven years old," he said. "My dad was training my elder brother and sister at the time and I just went down and did a couple of laps around with them. I always like to go back there. It has a bit of an emotional side to it there."
Torley admitted his life was bound to have running in it as there weren't really any non-runners in his family.
"Everyone has done running at some stage," he said.
"My little sister Stephanie is doing the 5km this Saturday. She's 11 years old and will probably do good. Maybe place top three," he said.
"My little brother, Samuel, is getting into it now too. He is 14 and a para-athlete. He's doing quite well and just got the Australian record for the 1500, so he is enjoying it."
While the Canberra half marathon is a milestone in his marathon training, Torley said he hopes to be at the front of the pack and chase down a win.
"I don't know who is running it. If Brad [Croker] is running it I will try to stick near him and hopefully beat him."
Registration closes at 5pm on Friday for the 10km and 5km events, Saturday at 5pm for the half marathon and marathon race registration. Get in quick at http://runningfestival.com.au/
