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Gone are the days when runners laced up their shoes solely for the medal at the finish line. Today's marathon participants are chasing something far more valuable: experiences, connections and personal growth. As we gear up for the 2025 running season, we spoke with three runners to explore what's really driving them to push their limits in marathon events across Australia.
The journey is the real prize
For Claire Burke, a passionate runner and mother of three, the allure of running goes beyond race day. "The best thing about running events is the journey getting there," she shares.
"It's the people you meet and train with, the friendships you make, the conversations you have, how it makes you feel physically and emotionally. You learn so much about your own capabilities, how you’re stronger than you think, that you shouldn’t put limits on what you can achieve – you’re only limited by what your mind says you can and can’t do.”
This sentiment echoes across the running community. All the runners we spoke with found the months of training, early morning runs and shared struggles create bonds that last long after the race is over.
Community: The heart of running
Sarah Gray, another dedicated runner, emphasises the importance of community. "I started running to help clear my head after a long day at work and the mental health benefits were addictive. I now do half marathons and marathon events annually,” she says.
“I have joined a run club and made connections and friends with a common passion. We sometimes run events together so we are training for a common goal and we can then celebrate together.”
This sense of belonging is a powerful motivator. It transforms an often solitary activity into a shared experience, pushing runners to achieve goals they never thought possible.
“Even after I’d run a few half marathons, I always said I’d never do a full,” says Claire. “I think a lot of runners say that until somehow, they find themselves doing a marathon. The running community helps a lot. Once you’ve discovered a network of people to run with, you have great conversations with these people while out running, and running a marathon doesn’t seem unusual.”
Running with purpose
For many runners, events are an opportunity to make a meaningful difference. Claire shares an example of this, explaining how she first signed up for a run in Marysville to support the local community's rebuilding efforts after the Black Saturday bushfires. Similarly, she trained for a half marathon on the Sunshine Coast to raise money for a friend battling bowel cancer.
Claire’s experiences highlight how running events can be a powerful platform for social impact, allowing participants to contribute to important causes while pursuing their personal fitness goals.
Scenic routes and unique experiences
While personal growth and community are crucial, the appeal of a beautiful course shouldn't be underestimated. Claire describes her experience at the Sydney Marathon:
"On the day I did it, the heat made it a particularly tough assignment, but it is such a beautiful course taking in so many significant landmarks. There’s a great atmosphere, the volunteers were so lovely, and I think that finish must be one of the most spectacular in the world.
The final kilometre running down Macquarie St, stunning blue skies in front of you, you can see the magnificent Harbour Bridge (that you ran over earlier in the day) to your left, and the Opera House is to your right. As you run the final few hundred metres, people are on the steps of the Opera House cheering you home. Then after you’re finished you can sit under the trees in the Royal Botanic Gardens and look out at the Harbour as you soak up the post-run atmosphere. It’s the best marathon I’ve ever run.”
Runners like Claire are increasingly drawn to events that offer more than just a race - they want an unforgettable experience in a stunning location.
Getting the basics right
While runners are passionate about their sport, they're not shy about pointing out logistical frustrations. Toilets emerge as a major pain point, with our runner noting, "The long pre-run queues are the bane of every runner.”
Event congestion is another source of irritation, particularly when different race categories converge, like bottlenecks that are created when half marathoners and full marathoners share the same course late in the event.
Hydration and aid station management also draw criticism, with runners experiencing occasional shortages of water or poor quality sports drinks.
Despite these frustrations, most runners appreciate that event organisers are continuously evolving and trying to improve the participant experience.
Safety and support: A growing concern
As runners push their limits, the importance of safety and support becomes paramount. Margie Pumpa, a runner, stay at home mum and full-time carer, notes,
"My ‘job’ doesn’t have sick pay, it doesn’t have time off. It is so important that I take good care of myself as I’m the one caring for others. However, accidents do happen. It would mean my husband, the sole income provider in our family, would need time off work. Insurance can make a difference to whether I choose to participate or not participate.”
This is where innovative solutions like Flip Group Active can come into play. By offering accidental injury cover, these services provide peace of mind, allowing runners to focus on their preparation, performance and enjoyment of the event. “It does give me peace of mind,” says Margie,
“and this means I can concentrate on the race more and block some of those thoughts. In a round-about way, it could help me run a faster time.”
Flip Group Active: A game-changer for events and participants
Flip Group Active is revolutionising the way event organisers approach participant safety and satisfaction. This group personal accident insurance provides cover for eligible accidental injuries that occur during an event, offering benefits for both organisers and runners
For event organisers
- Cost-effective: At just a few dollars per person per day (depending on the volume of participants you’re insuring), it's an affordable way to enhance participant experience.
- Reputation boost: It demonstrates a commitment to athlete wellbeing, setting events apart from competitors.
- Increased participation: The added peace of mind might encourage more runners to sign up.
For participants
- Financial protection: Up to $50,000 cash payouts for each participant on approved claims.
- Ease of use: All claims are handled by participants via the Flip app, streamlining the process.
- Confidence to push limits: Knowing they have cover can give runners the peace of mind to challenge themselves.
As Chris Heverin, ex-Managing Director from Spartan Race Australia puts it, "We swapped to Flip because it's a good service for us, and it's great for our customers. It's become a key part of our athlete wellbeing strategy and offering a safe and enjoyable experience."
The future of marathon events
As we look towards 2025 events, organisers are taking note of these changing priorities. The best events will offer more than just a well-marked course and a medal. They'll create experiences that foster community, showcase beautiful locations and provide comprehensive support for runners.
As the running landscape evolves, it's clear that modern marathoners are chasing something far more valuable than medals - they're running towards mental health benefits, lasting friendships and unforgettable experiences.
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or lacing up for your first 5K, remember: every step of your running journey is an opportunity for growth, connection and discovery. And with innovative solutions like Flip Active and Flip Group Active, you can take those steps with greater confidence and peace of mind. So, what are you waiting for?
