The truck driver has set his sights on the Trail Marathon in Wagga in August after giving himself a 35-kilometre hitout at the weekend.

It was Peter’s biggest challenge since undergoing a major back operation in Sydney in January.

“I did the 35 kilometres quite comfortably and it was a good test for me,” the Wagga Road Runners member said.

“Hopefully I can run in the Gold Coast Marathon in the first week in July and then be right for the Trail Marathon.”

Peter competed in his first marathon in 1981 and has tallied 108 all up, with a best time of two hours 34 minutes to his credit.

His latest appearance was also his most unforgettable as he battled through the 2009 Trail Marathon in

three-and-a-half hours.

“It was the first time in years and years that I did not break three hours,” Peter said. “For two years I had put up with a back problem – a spur on my spine was sending my leg to sleep almost permanently – and in the end I broke down.

“I couldn’t handle it in the Trail Marathon ... I had to walk some of the way because I was hurting so much.”

Peter is confident he will make a full recovery.

“I saw a top doctor in Sydney and I’m feeling good at the moment,” he said.

Peter is among the Trail Marathon organisers, who have added a half-marathon to the marathon, relay and

10-kilometre events.

“Last year we had about 300 runners and I’m hoping there will be even more this time,” he said.