Mr Jacobs, who is lacing up his runners again this year for his 35th Canberra Marathon, said a busy family schedule in his early 30s had led him to make a pragmatic decision to move on from Aussie rules football.

"I was raising a young family, and despite being offered to play for South Adelaide ... running was more accommodating to my schedule," Mr Jacobs said.

It proved a winning decision. While he can't put a figure to the amount of marathons he has participated in, Mr Jacobs has represented Australia in Ultra Marathons and been selected in the over 50s ACT team. He has participated in 20 Brindabella Classics, of which he has won 10.

He said the Canberra Marathon, which returns this year after a forced hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions, held a special place in his heart.

"It's part of my tradition" he said, "all the opportunities the Canberra Marathon offered me early in my career".

At his peak, a standard week of training would feature 130km of running and 100km of cycling. All of which would be done in lunch breaks, balancing his passion for the sport with full-time work in water management - a job he still continues today.

Mr Jacobs has endured his fair share of injuries, most of which have come from his Aussie rules days. He's torn his neck tendon in his right shoulder, has a dodgy left knee and tore a tendon in his big toe - something which is crucial for running.

Despite these setbacks he is feeling prepared for the upcoming race and has recovered, albeit slowly, from last week's gruelling Six Foot Track Marathon in the Blue Mountains.

Mr Jacobs' motto is "forever young", a line he has held onto from a mentor of his.

"Doing running and meeting people of all types, shapes and sizes among a diverse group of people ... is what contributes to being ever young" he said.

Mr Jacobs is also a member of the Griffins running club, a group of runners who have participated in at least 10 Canberra Marathons. Founded in 1994 by Rob Ey, the group, according to Mr Jacobs, "recognises people who have done so much", calling the club a "longstanding tradition [in Canberra]".

Having run over 30 Canberra Marathons, Mr Jacobs has achieved Walter Burley Griffin status - a title which has only been given to fewer than 100 people.

Last year's cancellation due to COVID didn't stop Mr Jacobs adding another marathon to his tally. The event was held virtually, allowing participants to record their own Canberra routes.

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While the compromise allowed Mr Jacobs to still run, the news of the cancellation was "understandable, but unfortunate".

"It was not the same [as the real thing]... but it has potential because people like me still want to do things" he said.

To fellow participants, Mr Jacobs advises to "progress steadily and don't worry too much about beating people ... and have a good strategy".

The Canberra Times Marathon Festival kicks off on April 11. The maximum capacity of the event is between 7000-7200 participants, with registrations filling up fast. The 50km Ultra Marathon takes runners past Capital Circle and around Lake Burley Griffin to finish up by Old Parliament House.

Volunteers are an integral aspect for the marathon to go forward. To volunteer visit www.solemotive.com/pages/volunteers

To register visit www.solemotive.com/pages/canberra-times-marathon-festival

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