EMERALD Beach runner Kyle McIntosh will push himself to the limit during a big month competing in Brisbane and San Diego.

The 28-year-old spent this week competing at the Virtus Oceania Asia Games in Brisbane.

The event is for elite athletes with intellectual impairment, with McIntosh competing in the T20 classification.

After competing in Brisbane, McIntosh is headed to the USA to test his skills in the Virtus World Cross Country Championships in San Diego, to be held from November 16 – 20.

Formed in 1986, Virtus is the recognised International Organisation of Sport for people with a Disability (IOSD), governing the eligibility of athletes with an intellectual impairment, elite competition and sport development.

McIntosh gave an insight into the training schedule needed to compete at international events.

“I train five days a week, and when I am not training, I like to go surfing with my dad and take my dog for a walk,” he said.

“I train in Coffs Harbour with my coach Andrew Rowlings, and I do the Coffs Harbour parkrun each weekend.”

The international runner had a clear ambition in the coming years.

“I just missed out on getting in the Paralympics team last year, and I am hoping to make the team in 2024,” he said.

The former Sutherland District Athletics Club member became the new Oceanic Record holder for the Men’s 800m T20 classification with a time of 2:05.86 last year.

By Aiden BURGESS