A Kangaroo Point running coach says a running boom is sweeping across Australia. Marathons are selling out in record time as more people, especially young people, embrace the challenge of endurance events.
He believes running’s accessibility, the rise of social run clubs, and the desire for personal achievement drive this popularity surge.
Running is Taking Over
Jamie Hunter, a long-time endurance runner and coach based in Kangaroo Point, believes running’s simplicity is key to its appeal. He says that running is something humans were born to do, so it’s natural for people to enjoy it. The recent rise in running’s popularity began during the pandemic when jogging became a primary way to exercise during lockdowns.
Since then, run clubs have sprung up all over Australia, offering a social and supportive environment for runners of all levels. For many, a weekly 5km run with friends, followed by coffee and a croissant, has become a gateway to longer distances and greater challenges.
Young Runners Embrace the Marathon
Caitlin Dorrough, a 22-year-old from Brisbane, started running with a group and quickly fell in love with the sport’s community aspect. She found training for her first half-marathon an incredible experience, supported by her running group.
Similarly, Shelby Tillett, a 25-year-old pilot, only began running 18 months ago but has already completed a marathon and an Ironman 70.3 triathlon. She credits the running community with motivating her to achieve these extraordinary feats. Ms. Tillett is now training for a full Ironman, which includes a 3.8km swim, a 180km cycle, and a full marathon.
Marathons See Record Participation
The growing interest in running is evident in the record entries for events nationwide. The 2025 Gold Coast Marathon sold out in record time, with 15,000 people signing up within days. Naomi McCarthy, Director of Sports Engagement at Griffith University, notes an increase in young people participating in marathons previously dominated by older, seasoned athletes.
She believes the social aspect of running has attracted a younger demographic to the sport. Mr Hunter, who owns a running supply store in Brisbane, has observed a similar trend, with a surge in beginner runners seeking advice and equipment. He has had to adjust his stock to cater to the influx of new runners, a development he sees as a positive sign for the sport.
The Psychology of Running
Sport and exercise psychologist Vanessa Wergin says running’s beginner-friendly nature and the quick sense of improvement contribute to its popularity. She believes endurance events attract people who want to set big personal goals because they are challenging yet not overly competitive. Dr Wergin emphasises that participation is the ultimate goal in marathon running, and everyone who completes such distances is already a winner.
Published Date 03-January-2025
