Think marathons, and the immediate image that flashes through your mind’s gateway is that of scrawny runners of African origin with toned muscles that resemble the toughest of stonework. It seems that after decades of world-staged athletic championships, the public has receded to the fact that any event that carried the term ‘long distance’ belonged to the land of the Cheetah.

Think again. The New Zealand islands, better known for its prowess in the sport of Rugby has given birth to a running legend who is still in the business of crafting a legacy for himself. His name is Jonathan Wyatt. At 36, the Hutt Valley New Zealander has SEVEN World Mountain Running Championship titles to his name. Putting it in a different context, Jonathan has clinched every championship since he made his debut in 2002, except in 2007 when he did not participate.

Jonathan’s journey to world dominance began at the adolescent age of 8 where he was already finishing ahead of the 9-year olds in his school’s cross-country event. Year-on-year, his presence in the field of athletics began to reek of the potential Jonathan possessed to make his mark in the international scene. One memorial milestone would be when he set a national under-18 record in the 3000m event at his country’s junior athletic championships.

Mountain running was not Jonathan’s initial forte. His entrance into the field was a by product of his career’s biggest disappointment, where he failed to finish in the 5000m event at the 1997 World Championships. A competitive road cyclist by the name of Aaron Strong gave Jonathan the nudge to give a crack at mountain running. Already at his lowest point, Jonathan had nothing to lose and decided to give it a shot. A decision that would completely alter his destiny as a runner.

Given Jonathan’s luscious record for mountain running, it would be no surprise that he has a following of sporting brands lining up for endorsement deals. Jonathan’s choice brand is Salomon. He has this to say in an interview with athleticsweekly.com.

“…it has been brilliant to work with Salomon..because their passion for off road sports matches mine perfectly…”