Donovan Coull lives with Huntington's Disease, a progressive neurological condition where certain brain cells are destroyed at a rate greater than they can be replaced.

Twenty nine year old Donovan, who already has symptoms of this condition, doesn't let this stand in the way of an impressive fitness regime.

Two years ago Donovan joined the local gym and last year, with encouragement from friends he began running. In June he ran the10k stretch of the 2006 Huntly Half Marathon and came in at place number 339 out of a field of 900 with an impressive time of 1:2:26.

Donovan enjoyed the race but found the two big hills hard work. The second hill tested his stamina but he made it.

Donovan is continuing his marathon training. He runs around Hamilton Lake a couple of times every day and is able to run 10 kms on the treadmill at the gym in 49 minutes. He is aiming to take part in a full half Marathon sometime in the future. He says 'Anyone can do it. You have just gotta go out and practise everyday!'

Donovan's new interest in fitness encouraged him to give up smoking. No mean feat. He has been a 'non-smoker' for nearly four months now and says the training has definitely helped him.