The popularity of marathon running in Australia has surged, transitioning from an elite sport to a mainstream fitness activity.
What was once a physical endeavour reserved for only the most devoted of athletes, marathon running is now the sport of choice for thousands of ordinary Australians. But how and why has a gruelling 42.2 kilometre test of mental and physical strength become the new norm for people just wanting to keep fit? Long time endurance runner and coach Jamie Hunter believes the answer is as simple as putting one foot in front of the other. 'Running is not a complicated sport.
It's something we were born to do, so of course we love it,' Mr Hunter said.For most newcomers to the running scene, the love affair with pounding the pavement began during the pandemic.Since then, the run club phenomenon has taken over with hundreds of grassroots groups popping up across the country.Running clubs are rapidly growing in popularity across Australia, and organisers say it's thanks to the support of social media. For many new players, a weekly 5 kilometre run with friends, followed by a coffee and a croissant, was a gateway to a whole new world.Caitlin Dorrough started running because of all her friends, and quickly fell in love with the community the sport gave her. The 22-year-old Brisbane woman said training for her first half-marathon last year was 'an incredible experience'.Supplied: Caitlin Dorrough'I started running with a group who consistently backed me to meet my goals, which made it feel a lot less scary,' Ms Dorrough said. 'The more I got involved in the scene, the more common I realised it was to aim for these big, long runs and just have a crack.Shelby Tillet has a marathon and an Ironman 70.3 triathlon under her belt.The 25-year-old pilot is a self-described 'ordinary girl' who has gone on to achieve truly extraordinary things.Ms Tillett only started running 18 months ago — she now has a marathon and an Ironman 70.3 triathlon under her belt. 'I remember I'd heard of Ironman but always thought of it as something totally unachievable for an average person,' she sai
MARATHON RUNNING AUSTRALIA FITNESS RUNNING CLUBS COMMUNITY
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Full AFL pre-season fixture revealed as boom Cats recruit to be unveiled in openerAFL: Geelong recruit Jack Martin has stated that he is targetting an opening round debut for the Cats.
Read more »
Marathon times: is it ever a good idea to include yours on your CV?Recruiters say young people are trying to impress by detailing their pastimes on job applications, including everything from fitness goals to ‘having a brat summer’
Read more »
Australian vehicle emissions are higher than Europe, US despite hybrid boom7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
‘It’s a pure form of gambling’: memecoins boom after Trump election‘Hawk tuah girl’ Haliey Welch’s coin fails amid new wave of hype around crypto-related assets
Read more »
Australian Olympian Izzi Batt-Doyle grieving loss of close friend ahead of Valencia marathon7NEWS brings you the latest local news from Australia and around the world. Stay up to date with all of the breaking sport, politics, entertainment, finance, weather and business headlines. Today's news, live updates & all the latest breaking stories from 7NEWS.
Read more »
High school teacher from Bendigo breaks national marathon recordMonths after his 11th-hour call-up to run in the Paris Olympics, Andy Buchanan has become Australia’s fastest marathon runner of all time. It’s been a whirlwind year for the high school teacher from Bendigo.
Read more »