David “Fitzy” Fitzsimons was one of Australia’s leading distance runners in the 1970′s. Renowned for being able to push himself to the point of absolute exhaustion, the stories about Fitzy are as legendary as his racing feats.Fitzy won 8 Australian Championships over 5000m and 10000m, including the double on 3 occasions. A dual Olympian, an Olympic finalist over 10000m, a 6th placing in the 1974 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal over 5000m at the 1977 World Cup made Dave Fitzsimons one of the greats.A proud South Australian, Fitzy had a lively sense of humour and was a devoted husband and proud father. Forever a picture of fitness, sadly, Fitzy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. As tenacious and determined as Fitzy was, even he couldn't beat this opponent and tragically, he passed away on September 7, 2008 at the age of 58.

 
To read the full David Fitzsimons story, please download the PDF document below.
The David Fitzsimons Story
 
David Fitzsimons – One of the Best (written by Athletics SA Executive Director, Adam Bishop)
This article appeared in the July 2011 issue of Run for Your Life Magazine.

‘David Fitzsimons was a champion… and not just on the track. His inspiring feats will long remain etched in the memories of those who were privileged to witness his fearless running. Records will come and go and memories of awe-inspiring feats will fade, but David Fitzsimons will long be remembered for more than being a champion athlete. As those that knew him best will tell you, David was a champion person and it’s this defining characteristic that made David Fitzsimons, one of the best’. (Adam Bishop, April 2011).
 
David Fitzsimons Tribute Video
Click the link below to watch a YouTube tribute of David Fitzsimons compiled by athlete and coach, Adam Didyk.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBUDILcdVnc

Flinders University Fitzy’s 5 is a mass participation recreational fun run/walk conducted by Running SA and was first held on the 1st of August 2010. The picturesque 5km flat road loop course in inner city Adelaide takes in many of Adelaide’s most iconic locations including the River Torrens, Adelaide Oval, and the North Adelaide parklands. Fitzy's 5 now sees over 1000 participants annually, making it the largest timed 5km fun run in South Australia. The event also assists in raising funds to support the work of the Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Fund. We encourage participants to make a donation during the entry process.

Flinders University Fitzy’s 5 was created to honour the memory of David Fitzsimons. David “Fitzy” Fitzsimons was one of Australia’s leading distance runners in the 1970′s. Renowned for being able to push himself to the point of absolute exhaustion, the stories about Fitzy are as legendary as his racing feats. Fitzy won 8 Australian Championships over 5000m and 10000m, including the double on three occasions. A dual Olympian, an Olympic finalist over 10000m, a 6th placing in the 1974 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal over 5000m at the 1977 World Cup made Dave Fitzsimons one of the greats. A proud South Australian, Fitzy had a lively sense of humour and was a devoted husband and proud father. Forever a picture of fitness, sadly, Fitzy was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. As tenacious and determined as Fitzy was, even he couldn't beat this opponent and tragically, he passed away on September 7, 2008 at the age of 58.

Since its inception, Flinders University Fitzy's has assisted in raising funds for the Royal Adelaide Hospital Research Fund to support cancer research. 

If you would like to make a donation, you can do so during the event entry process. Alternatively you can contact the RAH Research Fund by clicking here