James won the 2023 classic series by minutes over the closest rivals. The goal for James is long distance running and despite setting personal bests in the 5,000m and 10km, he has also moved up to compete successfully in half marathons and marathons. Over the last year he has taken close to 3 minutes off his half marathon personal best and run 2hr40m for the marathon. Before his successful PB in the Berlin Marathon, James managed a bronze medal in the September 2024 Auckland Road Champs.