Watch the this Sunday, September 15 from 5:30am (AEST).
As the running community prepares for a sold-out edition of the Sydney Marathon on September 15, Robinson revelled in the continued growth of such social events.
For Robinson, the Sydney Marathon is one of the best he’s ever experienced on Australian soil and believes the upcoming edition will only strengthen its push to join Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York as the next World Marathon Major.
According to the 33-year-old, the reason for such increased popularity can be traced back to 2020, when the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic saw several restrictions imposed upon gyms and health clubs, and left outdoor running as the main substitute for physical activity.
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“I think during Covid a lot of people got into running,” Robinson told SBS Sport.
“They were so keen and had all the time on their hands.
“That’s where the run clubs and coaching started popping up more and more and you can see it (now) with the Sydney Marathon – it’s sold out so quickly.
“It’s a great thing to see running clubs making a huge difference and people are interested in running.
“It used to be the nerdy sport that the skinny kid would do and now it’s kind of becoming the cool sport so it’s great.”
New York-based performance chef Dan Churchill shared Robinson’s sentiments and feels the return to gyms in the years since lockdown has not only allowed people to strike a balance through ‘hybrid training’ – a blend of strength training and cardio – but reaffirmed the additional benefits running clubs can provide.
“When I ask people, ‘why do you love running’, I am more likely to hear that they just love the group they’re a part of,” Churchill told SBS Sport.
“It’s like their closest friends. Then they go off to work, but at least for that time of the day, they got to catch up with some friends and did some exercise while doing it, and so it becomes an awesome experience – a healthy experience, if you will.”
Churchill, who has a Masters in Exercise Science, moved to the United States almost a decade ago, where he developed a love for long distance running that led him to complete the most recent edition of the Leadville Trail 100 Run, an ultramarathon through the heart of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado.
The Sydney Marathon is next on Churchill’s list of races, with the 35-year-old eager to complete his first long-distance event in his home state since participating in the Sydney Running Festival two years ago.
Landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House provide a backdrop few other marathons can match, according to Churchill, with Robinson, too, appreciative of his time on the course last year.
“I remember turning the last corner and seeing the Opera House and all the people just sitting on the stairs,” Robinson said.
“I was hurting a lot, but I was just like, ‘wow, that is such an amazing finish line’ and I think that’s such a reward for people.”
Robinson will not take part in this year’s race as he continues to recover from a back injury that brought his Olympic hopes to a premature end last month.
The Paris Games would have been Robinson’s third consecutive appearance at the global event, his unfortunate withdrawal opening the door for Andy Buchanan to represent Australia instead.
Nevertheless, by the time the men’s marathon rolled around, Robinson had made peace with his absence – and now, the national half and full marathon record-holder has set his sights on cracking the 2h 05’ barrier.
The Valencia Marathon in December is one race Robinson is targeting, but the veteran knows his breakthrough could also come next year as he continues his comeback towards peak performance.
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Meanwhile, Churchill’s exploits in the ultramarathon have conditioned his body for what’s to come in Sydney, and as 24,000 people prepare to tackle the 42.195-kilometre course, he hopes to see more Australians turn to long distance running.
“One of my biggest pieces of advice is to enjoy every step,” Churchill said.
“If you enjoy every step, you are someone who is enjoying the process and not just outcome orientated.
“Because once you get across the line, it’s a phenomenal feeling. But if you enjoy the whole process, you get to enjoy the months of work as opposed to just a split second of action.”
