The 27-year-old is training hard four times a week for the McLaren Vale Marathon in April.

But it’s about more than just a gallop through the grape vines – it’s about making sure his life stays on track.

“It’s about balance,” he said. “Doing the things that make you happy.”

Guy is acting senior practitioner with Assessment, Support and Protective Intervention at DCP’s Blair Athol office.

He works in investigations, family preservation and re-unification – a tough job that can take its toll on social workers.

“It’s hard but it can be really rewarding too,” he said.

“I tell the younger practitioners to balance their lives. I tell them not to stay back at work, to prioritise their fitness.

“As an office, we’re doing that a lot better, but there’s a lot of burnout in the job.

“Some people meditate, some people read a book, some people run a marathon.

“This job is hard enough as it is without looking after yourself.”

Guy grew up playing soccer and is a mad sports fan; his passion is Port Adelaide in the AFL.

But when he joined DCP almost four years ago he sacrificed his game for his job.

Switching his focus to a marathon also gave him the opportunity to support his father Grahame (Grahame), who suffers from terminal cancer.

He plans to raise funds for cancer research on that big day in the Vales in April.

“I’ve got that soccer background, so I already have an engine for running,” he said.

“I thought I’d do it (run a marathon) once, and see how I go.

“I hope to run it under 3hrs20min, which is pretty quick.”