The year 10 student explained that to make the cut he first had to run the course at his school carnival in under half an hour just to make it through to the Western competition.

"Western was held at Geurie, and you had to make the top six places to get to state and I came fifth," he said.

Cathie said that he enjoyed 'a bit of fitness' but had never taken part in any semi professional training like Little Athletics.

To train for the six kilometre race Cathie has made his own six kilometre track around Portland that he trains on every day.

"I prefer running long distances, no music, just focusing on the running," he said.

"The fresh air keeps my mind clear."

Read more:

He said that one of the things he plans on working towards in the race is having a bit more stamina for the hills.

"I am aiming to make it to nationals, well I hope to anyway," he said.

Having been to the Western carnival before, this is now the highest level Cathie has ever reached.

"I must have picked up a running gene somewhere in the family," he said.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Lithgow Mercury. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.