May 13 2017 - 10:44PM

Save

City2Surf 2017: Michael Tozer aiming to be first across line in costume

Georgina Cooke

15 reading now

Michael Tozer has grown accustomed to being yelled at as he dashes past construction sites around Hornsby at the crack of dawn.

While the sight of early morning joggers is nothing unusual, there are not too many people who pound the pavements dressed in a dark blue suit and yellow runners.

Warm up session for runners

In training of the City2Surf? Try these running specific dynamic warm ups before your next training session.

5-minute meditation for anxiety

We all experience anxiety differently, but the feeling can be crippling for anyone. This quickie meditation session calms the mind without seriously impeding our day. Video copyright Health Media Ventures, Inc 2017.

How to build stronger bones at any age

Even though your body doesn't build up more bone post-20s, that doesn't mean your work stops on your 30th birthday. Watch this video to learn how to best take care of your bones for many decades to come. Video copyright Health Media Ventures, Inc 2017.

7 ways inflammation affects your body

You may be well-informed about health conditions linked to inflammation, what exactly is the deal with it? Watch this video to learn more how inflammation affects your body. Video copyright Health Media Ventures, Inc 2017.

Sydney's healthiest and unhealthiest suburbs

Sydney's healthiest and unhealthiest ...

Sydney's healthiest and unhealthiest suburbs

The latest report from Australia's Health Tracker has demonstrated how both location and wealth work as substantial influences on exercise and health.

Antibiotics and superbugs: the relationship

Antibiotics and superbugs: the ...

Antibiotics and superbugs: the relationship

Making sure antibiotics are only taken when absolutely necessary is something that will help fight the spread of superbugs, says Professor Cheryl Jones.

World's oldest person dies

Emma Morano was the last person alive to be born in the 19th century.

Do ultrarunners feel less pain?

Dr Urquhart, along with colleague and lead researcher Dr Bernadette Fitzgibbon, put a number of ultra runners through the wringer with perception and pain tests.

Warm up session for runners

In training of the City2Surf? Try these running specific dynamic warm ups before your next training session.

"There's quite a few flats going up near us ... I get some funny looks as I run past the workers at six or seven in the morning," the 36-year-old father of two said.

"I've become a little bit well known as the guy that looks like he's running late for work when doing some of my training."

While he is on a mission, it's not to the office. Mr Tozer plans to be the first costumed City2Surf fun run entrant to cross the line this year.

He aims to raise $20,000 for the the Fragile X Association of Australia – an organisation that supports those affected by a condition that afflicts his six-year-old son Josiah.

The "virtually unknown" intellectual disability is the most common single gene cause of autism around the world, occurring in one child born in Australia every week, and in an estimated 5 per cent of all people diagnosed with autism.

Those affected tend to display developmental delays, with the condition causing behavioural and learning challenges, as well as a range of physical characteristics.

Mr Tozer said the business suit was a way to communicate the discomfort navigating everyday life can be for those who live with a seemingly invisible condition.

"A suit doesn't really [make sense in] a marathon, just like living with a disability isn't well suited to a world that doesn't adapt to meet the needs of all its citizens," he said.

Having broken the world record for completing a half marathon in the custom-made business suit last year, Mr Tozer is well placed to take out the gong in the world's largest fun run come August. However, he won't be without his rivals.

"So there's often a Superman – a guy in a Superman outfit who's out there at the front and I'm going to give the Superman a run for his money."

While Josiah doesn't quite yet understand why his father heads off in a "crazy outfit" every morning, Mr Tozer, who is optimistic he can reach his fundraising goal, trusts that he will in the years to come – proof that not all heroes wear capes.

This year's run takes place on August 13. Enter The Sun-Herald City2Surf, presented by Westpac.