Sydney Marathon

Get ready for excitement as the Sydney Marathon approaches on August 30th!

I'm thrilled to be at the starting line for the second time since Sydney became an Abbott World Major. Last year, it served as a training run with the Berlin Marathon as my main goal three weeks later. This year, I'm lucky to have secured a ballot spot. The Chicago Marathon is my target race, six weeks after Sydney. Once more, I plan to enjoy the stunning views and enthusiastic crowds, but I'm especially excited to run alongside six of our athletes. Among them, some are attempting their first marathon, others are experiencing their first World Major, and one will be checking off another major accomplishment.

Renee is our most seasoned runner entering the Sydney Marathon. She has completed Tokyo and Berlin and aims for Chicago later this year. A dynamic runner, she has been training with Running Evolution from the beginning. We asked Renee why she chose Sydney; she said, "Running brings me joy, teaches resilience and calmness, and connects me with loved ones. It’s unbeatable!" Regarding training, she mentioned, "Training's going well. I've struggled with FOMO this build, watching others and comparing. Redefining success to focus on process and values has been a big step forward this time." Despite traveling around the Gibb, she maintained her training. We're excited for Renee, and this will be the fourth marathon we've run together. When asked what Sydney means to her, she replied, "I'm thrilled to run through the city I grew up in and see my family and extended running family. Running is a team effort for me, so I'm excited to see everyone."

Jeff Turner joined Running Evolution last year to prepare for his first marathon, the Gold Coast Marathon. He learned a lot from his training and has returned stronger this year. We eagerly anticipate his World Major debut. The course is tougher than the Gold Coast, but he's stronger and we believe he can tackle those Sydney hills.

Caitlin Hatzivalsamis began training with us last year with the goal of completing a marathon before reaching a certain age milestone. We encouraged her to enter the ballot, and now she's here. “I didn't expect to get a spot and do it so soon!" Reflecting on her training, she shared, “I started on October 25, had surgery in February 26, and faced a challenging recovery. I've struggled with low muscle strength and resulting injuries, and I might not be able to run the entire marathon. However, I've progressed from 0 to four half marathon distances, which seemed impossible a year ago.” Caitlin's journey has been typical for a first marathon, with ups and downs. Unfortunately, it's never a smooth, continuous progression. Approaching the Sydney Marathon, Caitlin has had to realign her goals, reminding herself that she has never run a marathon and that “running it isn’t worth aggravating the injuries, but I might power walk most of it, and at worst, a DNF is still a PB!"

Peter Douglas is also training for his first marathon. His motivation is that "my sisters run marathons, and one of them encouraged me to try. So I entered the ballot without expecting to be chosen, but I was selected, and she wasn’t, so I'm doing it for my sister Jo and as a personal challenge." Like Caitlin, Peter has faced injury challenges. "However, the last few months have been great. Lee has got me fit and conditioned without me even realizing it. A simple coaching plan, easy to follow. I just have to put in the hard work." Peter's thoughts leading into the Sydney Marathon are, "I'm excited for the challenge, it looks like a fantastic course, and I can't wait to give it my best shot! Challenge accepted!"

This will be Hannah Roe’s first marathon! Her motivation is "my family. My Aunty Margie wanted to run a marathon before turning 60, so I decided to train with her. I was then incredibly fortunate to secure a place through the Sydney Marathon ballot — and suddenly, it became a reality! I’m also running for my kids and in memory of my nephew Mark and cousin Daniel, who are no longer with us, as well as for all the loved ones who continue to inspire me. This is far outside my comfort zone, and there have been moments during training where I questioned my decision! But I wanted to challenge myself and show my kids that we can do hard things — even those we never thought possible".

We asked Hannah how her training has been going. "I started my training program with Lee from Running Evolution in December. As a busy mom of three, I needed a program that was challenging but achievable, and Lee has been fantastic in helping me build a plan that fits around family life. I've had a few niggles along the way, and Lee has helped me adjust my program. I’m so thankful and grateful to be on this journey with my Aunty Margie and cousin Yasmin. We’ve encouraged, supported, and pushed each other through the training, and having them beside me has made a huge difference. I’m also incredibly grateful for Lee’s guidance and support throughout the entire journey."

Approaching Sydney, Hannah never imagined she would be running a marathon! "Sydney will be my first, and I’m looking forward to embracing the experience, soaking it all in, and most importantly, enjoying the day with my family and friends cheering us on. Sydney Marathon — here we come!"

Last but not least, we have Margie Roe. Her reason for running the Sydney Marathon is personal. "I’m running in memory of my late son, who was just 28 years old. He was kind, generous, a perfectionist, a talented sportsman, and an adventurer. He inspired me in so many ways, making the run even more motivational. I’ll also be thinking of my late great-nephew, who is forever 20. I’m also incredibly proud to be a charity runner for the Indigenous Marathon Foundation. I’ll be thinking of all the generous donors who have believed in me, supported my journey, and helped me get to this point. Run. Sweat. Inspire."

Regarding training, Margie said, "I’ve trained as much as I possibly can, and I’m definitely feeling fitter and stronger because of it. I’ve had a few health niggles along the way, but I’m hopeful and confident that I can work through them and give it my very best on the day. One foot after the other. I’m so grateful to my daughters, Yasmin & Elle Jarman, and my niece, Hannah Roe. Yasmin and Hannah have been training alongside me and taking on Sydney too. Elle has supported and motivated me, and will be there on the day with other family members. Other family and friends will also be running, making it even more special to share this experience together."

"As for Sydney, I’m going to put my best foot forward and focus on reaching that finish line within the cut-off time. I’m incredibly grateful to Running Evolution for the program, guidance, and support. It has given me the confidence to believe that I’m ready to take on the longest run of my life…It’s going to be challenging! I’m looking forward to soaking it all up, giving it everything I’ve got, and hopefully crossing that finish line in good time — carrying my son’s memory with me every step of the way. One foot after the other."

Each athlete has a unique story and journey to the start line. We are incredibly proud of each one of them. Reaching the start is often the hardest part. The marathon itself is a celebration of the journey that brought you there. You get to celebrate with thousands of other runners who understand your struggles and the hundreds who will line the streets to cheer you on. Enjoy every moment. For those running their first marathon, cherish the emotion you feel crossing that finish line! Your first is always the most special one.