Astonished at Mr. Young's appearance, the race committee at first declined is entry, but after hearing his plea of how he rounded up thousands of sheep by running over the course of several days on his family's 2,000 acre farm, they decided to let him enter. The race soon began and the other runners bolted from the start line, quickly disappearing into the distance, with Cliff shuffling off in this work boots and galoshes. Cliff did not know the race included stopping each night for a rest, so he just kept on running. By the fifth day of running, Cliff had caught all of his competitors and proceeded to win the race and become a national hero.
When Cliff was awarded the first place prize of $10,000.00 he told people he didn't even know there was a prize for winning, let alone prize money. He further explained he did not enter for money and never raced because of the money. He further proved this by giving his prize winnings to the other runners, keeping nothing for himself. While this unselfish act awed most Australians, Cliff thought nothing more of his act. He continued to train at a high level and race long distance races well into his late seventy years of age becoming an inspiration to generations of younger runners.
What was the key to Cliff Young's success? It varies but a few names come to mind: Determination, Perseverance, Persistence and Tenacity. This means keeping your eye fixed steadfast on the one goal, not stopping, not whining, no woe is me moaning, no matter what difficulty or obstacle is encountered until that goal is achieved.
In 2004, one year after Cliff Young passed away at the age of 81, the race organizers changed the name of their event to the Cliff Young Australian Six Day Race.
