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It’s been a long time since a local runner won back-to-back City to Surfs (12k distance), but last month UWA’s own Dr Roberto Busi achieved this feat.

Fair to say he’s pretty good at the sport he calls a hobby.

A Research Fellow in the School of Plant Biology, Dr Busi moved to Perth from Italy in 2005 on a six-month Endeavour Award Scholarship, and over ten years later is still here researching and running.

“I’m in the fortunate position of being a dual citizen, Australian-Italian. I have definitely embraced the whole Aussie way of life in my time here, and running around King’s Park and the river plays a big part in that.

“When it came to the end of my scholarship in 2006 I was offered a full time research position with the Australian Herbicide Resistance Initiative. With a PhD in weed science it was a great fit.

“Now I lead an important research program focused on the evolution of weed resistance to herbicides and the ability of agricultural weeds to adapt to environmental changes. I’ve had fantastic career opportunities at my time at UWA,” Dr Busi says.

While winning back-to-back City to Surfs is an amazing achievement, Dr Busi is no stranger to tasting victory. In 2010 he held State championships in the 5,000 metres, 10,000 metres, half-marathon and marathon distances in what he calls his ‘golden ‘year  and he’s proud to run locally.

“Running is a hobby that fits in with my research career and my personality. It’s my destresser and has helped my work a lot over the years.

“I love to run, and as long as I get one run in a day I’m happy. How can you not love running in this beautiful environment, it’s the perfect start to the day,” he says.

Six years on from the golden year it’s the shorter distances Dr Busi finds most enjoyable and hot off the heels of his City to Surf triumph he is training for the World Masters Athletics Championships.

“They’re in Perth this year and I’ll be representing Australia in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres. I don’t stress too much about races, I either win or I don’t, but in saying that winning would be a nice way to end the season,” he says.

We wish him the best of luck!