Tom Dade’s Two Bays Trail Run 2025: The Journey to 2nd Place

Trail running is as much about mental resilience as it is about physical endurance, and Tom Dade’s experience at the 2025 Two Bays Trail Run is a story of perseverance, determination, and strategic preparation.

Approaching the start line for his sixth Two Bays Trail Run, Tom felt the weight of self-doubt. Could he beat his previous personal best of 4:33:53? Was all the time he spent training leading to any real improvement? These thoughts clouded his mind, setting an anxious tone for the race. But behind the scenes, Tom had received invaluable guidance from Kelvin, who had worked with him to craft a fuelling strategy. Kelvin emphasized the importance of staying hydrated throughout the race and encouraged Tom to fill up with water at aid stations if needed, rather than risking dehydration. Beyond the physical preparation, Kelvin also provided a crucial mindset shift, reminding Tom to adopt a winner’s mindset and believe in his ability to achieve a podium finish.

The moment the race began, Tom found himself in an unfamiliar position—leading the pack in the first kilometer. “WTF? Why am I in front?” he thought, quickly realizing he might be pushing too hard. Soon, he settled into a more familiar rhythm and found himself running in equal third by the 5–10km mark. However, the silence with his running companions heightened his unease. It wasn’t until they began chatting that Tom started to relax, but he knew he couldn’t sustain their pace. He made the conscious decision to focus inward and find his race, a strategy he committed to this year to avoid burning out too soon.

As the kilometers passed, Tom began to find his groove. By the time he reached Hyslops aid station, his incredible support crew, Peter Mitchell, was ready with ice-cold bottles and a refreshing towel soaked in icy water. Despite this boost, Tom admits the mental struggle persisted. The tightness in his chest, sore hips, constant stitches, and the overwhelming discomfort of running hard weighed on him. Still, he pushed through, fueled by grit, hydration, and Kelvin’s advice. He reminded himself of Kelvin’s encouragement—his strength in ultras often comes into play in the later stages of the race, and his opportunity might arise when others falter.

The climb over Arthur’s Seat marked a pivotal moment in the race. Peter’s expert crewing at the Dromana bell provided Tom with another much-needed lift. For the first time in years, he reached Hyslops aid station on the return feeling strong. In past races, he had reached this point in survival mode, but this time, his sub-4:30 goal remained within reach.

Running through Greens Bush in the final stretch, Tom faced the usual breakdown of his biomechanics—stitches, shallow breathing, and aching muscles. But with a deliberate focus on steady breathing, a couple of Panadol for the pain, and sheer determination, he regained his composure. Then came the unexpected moment Kelvin had predicted: lead runners began to pull out or slow down, creating opportunities for Tom to move up. Spotting the runner in 3rd place ahead of him, Tom surged forward and eventually moved into 2nd.

The last 5km was a relentless grind, navigating roots, soft dirt, and small rolling inclines. With every ounce of energy he had left, Tom pushed to the finish line, crossing it at 4:30:20—just 20 seconds shy of his sub-4:30 goal but with a hard-earned PB and an incredible 2nd place finish. Reflecting on the race, Tom admitted it was difficult to fully enjoy the experience due to the mental and physical challenges. Still, he expressed immense gratitude for the opportunity to compete and for the support that carried him through.

Tom is quick to thank everyone who made the day possible. From the race organisers and volunteers to his fellow competitors and spectators, he credits the upbeat and positive environment for helping him persevere. A special shoutout goes to Peter for his outstanding crewing, Kelvin for his strategic and motivational advice, and to Michelle, his mum, and everyone who supported him along the way.

Tom also acknowledges the organisations that have been pivotal in his journey. Endu1 Sports Nutrition kept him fuelled, Weapons Runners provided expert coaching, Run Vault equipped him with reliable gear, and Pop Running helped him address lingering glute and hip issues. “Without these amazing people and organisations, I wouldn’t be able to train or race at this level. I’m incredibly privileged and grateful,” Tom shares.

Tom’s performance at the 2025 Two Bays Trail Run is a testament to the power of persistence, preparation, and community. His journey reminds us that trail running is not just about the finish time but the lessons learned, the connections made, and the experiences that make it all worthwhile. Congratulations, Tom, on an extraordinary race!