President Michael Halaby is one many Harriers who will be getting up in the middle of the night to stream Clifford's race as he competes in the under-20 8km event on March 30. 

Sending Clifford on his way with a cheque to help cover travel costs, Halaby praised the Launceston College student as a positive role model for his fellow athletes.  

"Sam’s been a member of Newstead for a long time and seeing his journey as an athlete progress has been really rewarding," Halaby said.

"We are just tremendously proud of him as a great athlete and a great person within our club.

"The way Sam runs and the effort and determination he puts in, he’s an inspirational role model to all of our athletes and when we see him run we're just in awe of it."

An under-16 national cross-country champion and under-17 3000m champion, Clifford will be joined at the cross-country world championships by fellow Tasmanian long distance star Stewart McSweyn, who will compete in the open division. 

The Legana teen was chuffed with the backing of his clubmates. 

"It’s really good support - I’ve always had this really strong vibe at the club since I’ve been here in 2012 when I first started, everyone's been so supportive of my running," he said.

"It’s just a really nice community spirit that they have here at Newstead, it’s something that’s a good tradition and something that should be kept going in the future."