62: Around the World in 50 Parkruns: Heart, Community & Purpose; A Runner’s Journey

62: Around the World in 50 Parkruns: Heart, Community & Purpose; A Runner’s Journey

This week we are joined on the show by Eman, a marathon runner who’s completed over 50 marathons, a pacer, and now the taking year off of work to complete a Parkrun World Tour with his family.   Eman shares how his running journey began back in 2008 when “I couldn’t even run around the block because I was just so unfit” and how that slow, steady progress eventually led him to pacing marathons, including Sydney, Gold Coast, Kuala Lumpur and soon Berlin. He opens up about the joy of pacing (“it’s as equal to achieving your personal best”), running alongside 2018 Boston Marathon champion Yuki Kawauchi, and why Parkrun has become a global community he’s deeply passionate about.   We also dive into his upcoming 12‑month sabbatical, travelling across four continents to complete 50 Parkruns with his wife and kids.   A conversation full of heart, community, and pure running love.

61: Carrying Every Voice: A Story of Purpose; A Runner’s Journey

A powerful conversation with ultra‑runner and epilepsy advocate Rafa Garcia, whose journey goes far beyond the kilometres he covers.   Rafa shares how becoming a father to a daughter with epilepsy reshaped his life, inspired the creation of One in 25, and fuelled his mission to raise awareness through endurance challenges. From backyard ultras to 31 half marathons in 31 days and most recently, his 329km run from the Sydney Opera House to Parliament House Rafa opens up about the mental battles, the responsibility he carried, the lack of media support, and the deeper purpose behind every step. A raw, inspiring reminder of what’s possible when community, courage and cause come together.

60: Movement & Connection: Why Support Matters; A Runner’s Journey

When life hit breaking point, Jason Rantall made one choice that changed everything: he quit smoking on January 31st and started running on February 1st. What began as pain, escape, and survival slowly became connection, clarity, and purpose.   In this episode, Jason opens up about rebuilding his life through movement, learning to stop runningaway from himself, and becoming a powerful advocate for mental health in his community. We dive into Better Mental, the run groups, the conversations that save lives, and the incredible challenges he’s taken on including the 801km run for suicide awareness and his massive efforts in the Backyard Ultra world.   It’s raw, honest, and full of hope. A reminder that support isn’t weakness, movement shifts the mind, and you don’t have to do any of it alone.

59: The Struggle That Shaped Him: The Breakthrough That Changed Him; A Runner’s Journey

Scott’s marathon journey is one of the wildest progressions you’ll ever hear from running his first-ever race the day before the 2021 NYC Marathon to becoming a 2:47 marathoner just a few years later.   In this episode, Scott breaks down how he went from a 6:27 debut to sub‑3, to 2:47, and why the Dopey Challenge, Berlin, Chicago, and Philly each shaped him into the runner he is today.   We talk training, confidence, setbacks, breakthroughs, and the moment he realised he truly belonged in the sport. His advice for new runners is gold, simple, honest, and grounded in experience.   A must‑listen for anyone chasing improvement, rediscovering their love for running, or needing proof that consistency changes everything.

58: It’s Never Too Late: How Shona Found Joy, Community & Confidence via Running; A Runner’s Journey

Shona didn’t start running until nearly 60. What began as a simple walk to improve her health turned into 5Ks, half marathons, and a deep love for the running community.   In this episode, Shona shares how ADHD shaped her journey, the emotional story behind her first half marathon on Kangaroo Island, overcoming injuries including two broken ankles, and the mindset shifts that helped her push through tough moments like Brisbane Half. She also talks about running with her husband, finding joy in travel runs, and her upcoming goals from Gold Coast to Melbourne.   Shona’s story proves it’s never too late to start and that running is as much about joy and community as it is about the kilometres.