From Finish Line to Front Runner

At 40, driven by a bold vision, Duncan set his sights on Australia's gruelling Simpson Desert ultra-marathon. What started as a goal to simply reach the finish line became something extraordinary—he won his age group in the 250km desert race.

That victory revealed a profound truth: decades of managing type 1 diabetes had built the exact mental resilience and physical awareness needed to conquer extreme challenges.

Proving what's possible

Duncan has since completed ultra-marathons across the globe, like Racing the Planet in New Zealand. He's conquered mountain trails on foot and by bike, and represented clubs and universities in rugby and cricket. All while managing a full-time career, raising two boys with his wife, coaching sports, and mentoring others with type 1 diabetes.

His philosophy is simple: "With diabetes, anything is possible—it's just a bit harder."

Duncan lives in Sydney and runs with training partner, Narla.

The start-up story

Duncan founded #fitterforhavingit to challenge misconceptions about diabetes and advocate for better access to life-changing therapies. In Australia, people with diabetes often face limited, more expensive, or less available treatments compared to other parts of the world—barriers that shouldn't exist in 2025.

By sharing his experiences and adventures, Duncan challenges negative stereotypes, and connects people to inspiring sportsmen and women, and other people living with type 1 diabetes that don't just survive—but genuinely demonstrate you can be fitter for having faced the challenges of living with a chronic condition.

Professional experience

Beyond adventure racing, Duncan also brings over 25 years of professional expertise in strategic planning, property development, and governance. He has directed city renewal strategies and major economic and social projects across Australia, the UK, and the Middle East.

Living proof that type 1 diabetes isn't a barrier to greatness—it's training for it.