Childhood rape victim Brian Presnell is putting his demons behind him one run at a time, and on Sunday he completed his first marathon.
But in lining up for the 42.5 kilometre Melbourne Marathon, Mr Presnell, 53, had already overcome far more emotional and physical hurdles than most of the 7000 participants beside him.
For much his life he has been homeless and has struggled with a decades-long cannabis addiction and mental health problems.
But on Sunday Mr Presnell showed just how far he had come as he crossed the finish line.
For the first 25 kilometres, he had barely broken his stride, urged on all the way by his co-runner, veteran marathon runner Kevin Barry.
As the run approached the 35 kilometre stage fatigue began to take hold, but Mr Presnell summoned the heart and stamina to make the finish line in a more-than-respectable four hours and 34 minutes.
Brian Presnell after he completed his first marathon on Sunday. (SBS News) Source: SBS News
Mr Presnell, who lives in a transitional boarding house, said he now knew what he was capable of doing.
"I know that I can challenge myself to any goal that's out there now," he said.
"You don't have to sit on a couch you can kill your addictions and you can make your life better and that's what this has done for me."
'A world of pain'
Mr Presnell's life spiralled out of control at the age of 17 when he was the victim of rape.
That incident, combined with an abusive childhood, set the now 53-year-old on a destructive path of homelessness, illicit drug use and rough sleeping.
“Rape's like you get everything torn out of you all in the one go - it takes away your manhood your dignity the spirit inside you - it rips you away. When you’re raped you have nothing left, “ he said.
He said life on the street was uncompromising and riddled with torment, violence and horror.
“A world of pain, a world of hurt, a world of loneliness that I'd never send anyone to,” he said.
Since then, for 37 years, Mr Presenell has smoked cannabis nearly every day, including on the morning of the marathon.
Brian Presnell completed his first marathon on Sunday. (SBS News) Source: SBS News
“Without the usage of the marijuana I'd be out of control, I'd [have] anxiety all day, I'd be worried and shitty old mood and everything would be negative,” he said.
But the regular participant in Reclink Football Leagues for the disadvantaged said he believed street life steeled him for his marathon challenge.
Reclink, a charitable organisation that provides sporting and art opportunities for disadvantaged people, has exposed Mr Presnell to a range of activities, and his run on Sunday helped to raise money on their behalf.
“I'll get through anything that people throw at me mate," he said.
"Toss a brick wall at me mate and I reckon I'll bust it down and go through it.
"If I can't go through it I'll definitely go over it."
Three months ago, Mr Presnell was introduced to marathon coach Anthony de Castella, who was given the challenging job of creating a suitable training regime.
'He's running this on heart'
“He's someone in life who has undergone incredible challenges, faced incredible difficulties and had his back to the wall right through his life."
Mr de Castella said Mr Presnell’s circumstances and training program were unique.
“He's someone in life who has undergone incredible challenges, faced incredible difficulties and had his back to the wall right through his life," Mr de Castella said before the marathon.
"It's going to be challenging for him without those supports: without the financial supports that allow you to go get massages regularly, change your running shoes when you need a new pair, access medical treatment - all those things that do help get you to the start line.
"They're a challenge for Brian but I believe at the end of the day he's running this on heart and that'll overcome those challenges."
The pair agreed on a training regime, and Mr Presnell took to the streets around his temporary St Kilda accommodation.
Brian Presnell played AFL as part of his training in the lead up to his first marathon on Sunday. (SBS News) Source: SBS News
He started small – five kilometre jogs expanded to serious 20-plus kilometre runs.
Most weekend jogs were alongside supporters from the Xavier Social Justice Network.
'I'm fitter, healthier, happier than I’ve ever been'
Mr de Castella said he was staggered at Mr Presnell’s commitment to train and participate in the marathon.
“You meet all sorts of people as a coach and coaching is a very privileged position as you get to work very closely with people and you get to know them quite intimately, and Brian is just a phenomenal person," he said.
"To hear a little bit about his background - his life circumstances, what he's been through to get to this point in his life - he's a real fighter and an incredibly courageous person.”
Since he began the training, Mr Presnell said he had more than halved his cannabis use and had a renewed outlook.
He said his first marathon attempt would not be his last, and he now wants employment and what he describes as a “normal” life.
“That's what the marathon's showing me - that I can get out of this doldrums," he said.
"My life is coming back to where I was crushed and now I've got smooth paths I’ve got a clearer head.
"I'm fitter, healthier, happier than I’ve ever been because I’ve put in the yards to get back to where I need to. I was a sad, lonely person.”
