In 2016 after completing my first half in Sydney I watched a fellow RMA & friend Emma, complete her 2nd Marathon for the year, we got chatting afterwards and she planted that seed that I too, one day, could do a Marathon. It took me a whole year, and to complete the 10k at the Sydney event, 2017, to even enter such a feat, though the very next day I entered my first marathon for 2018. Whilst at the start line for that race I got chatting with 2 amazing women who were on a quest to complete a marathon in every state and territory of Australia. Well yet again another seed planted. 

Fast Forward to Sunday 12th April 2026 and I’m about to complete my 10th official Marathon (in Canberra), with minimal training due to injuries & lack of motivation, it happens when you haven’t been able to run, I knew this one was going to be tough, I also knew I could do hard things; because not only have I done all those marathons but I’ve also completed UTA 50 & Bondi to Manly Solo.

I went in with a race plan of intervals walk 1km / run 1km as I knew I would need to save my legs early on if I was going to get to the end, km 10 was feeling good despite this being the longest distance I had done in a while, km 16 was feeling a blister but pushed on, as to not waste what precious time I had, km 21 and I was cheering as I was halfway, and I was feeling good still. Km 26 got a horrible cramp in my foot, and couldn’t run I thought oh know it’s to early for this to happen so I pulled out the cramp ease bottle and took a swig it tasted horrible but worked instantly yes relief back to running, km 28 and I said to myself 2/3 done 1/3 to go, I could feel chafe from my crop top at this stage but again I pushed on. I had seen my friend Jason a couple of times which urged me to keep going, km 30 and I thought about what my friend Roxy, had told me when she reached this point in the Disney Marathon, she hopped on a roller coaster, I thought -wow wish I was hopping  on a roller coaster right now.. Km 32 yes only 2 parkruns left, yes because I sometimes measure in parkruns! km 36 and I was so over the hills and gustily winds. I was done wanted it to just be over. I knew I was so close to finishing that I reminded myself to dig deep and just keep going. I was so happy to reach 41km and somehow was about to complete yet another marathon and almost finish this amazing goal I had set myself.  With my awesome friend Roxy waiting for me at the finish line I ran into her arms where she gave me a big hug, & then put the medal around my neck it’s such a special moment especially when it’s somebody you know. 

It’s been a long time coming with many blisters, tears, training runs, workouts,  physio, chafe, (despite anti chafe being used), rock tape, guilt, elation, ups & downs. 

Yet here I am with only WA left to complete this ultimate goal. So far I have managed to complete;

NSW; Sydney Marathon September 2018, 2022 & 2023

Western Sydney Marathon July 2019

Victoria; Melbourne Marathon October 2019

Tasmania;  Cadbury Marathon January 2020

An unofficial marathon during Covid where I ran 1km on the hour every hour for 42km / 42hrs (yes I’m a bit crazy like that).

South Australia; Coastal Fun Run Marathon January 2024

Northern Territory; Outback Marathon July 2024

QLD; Gold Coast July 2025 

ACT; Canberra April 2026

This is probably not the way I originally planned it, as yes I sat many a days trying to figure it all out, when you complete 3 marathons within 7 months you are motivated and enjoying the process,  then the world turns to crap you loose focus and drive, I also was very sick 2021 so that doesn’t help. I’m glad I’m back on track even if it has taken me way longer than I wanted it too. 

Hopefully WA Perth in October 2027 if all goes to plan, tried to get in this year but it’s already sold out. 

Not to mention countless other smaller & larger runs along the way did a lot of kms during Covid and lots of other events as well. 

“I have an abundance of medals that I’m so proud to have earned.” 

Jenny is a member of the RMA community and lives in New South Wales 

Ingredients 

3 Bananas
1 cup of oats
Strawberries
Blueberries 
1 TBS Peanut Butter 1 TBS Protein Greek Youghurt

Instructions

1. Mix Together
2. Bake on 180C for 20 minutes

This recipe was provided to you by Melissa Kelly, who is a long time RMA member in Queensland. Thanks Melissa for sharing a favourite with us.

Ingredients 

1 can lentils, rinsed and drained
1 carrot, peeled and finely diced
1 small red onion, peeled and finely diced
1 stick celery, finely diced 
1 teaspoon thyme

Dressing
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/3 cup (60ml) olive oil
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup (30g) finely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
1 cup (100g) walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
1 cup (130g) crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese

Instructions

1. Rinse and drain the lentils. Add the finely diced vegetables and thyme to a frypan and cook for 5 to 10
   minutes, until tender; be careful not to overcook them. 
2. While the vegetables are cooking, make the dressing. Mix the vinegar, salt, mustard and oil in a large
   bowl. 
3. Mix the lentils and vegetables into the dressing while still warm, stirring well. Let cool to room
   temperature, stirring occasionally.
4. Add pepper to taste and mix in the parsley and nuts. Garnish with goat or feta cheese.

This recipe was provided to you by Jacqui Asser, who is a long time RMA member in Adelaide. Thanks Jacqui for sharing a favourite with us.

Adapted from French Lentil Salad with Goat Cheese and Walnuts From ‘My Paris Kitchen’ which can be found here

Running in the cooler months can be a dream in Australia – crisp air, stunning skies, and quieter paths. But while it might feel refreshing, your skin can cop a fair bit from the elements. Wind, cold, and UV exposure don’t take a break in autumn, and that means protecting your skin is just as important as lacing up the right shoes.

Protect Your Skin from the Wind & Cold

Wind and cold can be incredibly harsh on the skin, especially the face. The exposed areas – cheeks, nose, and forehead – are often left vulnerable during runs, leading to dryness, irritation, and long-term damage. In extreme cases, winter athletes use sports tape for protection, but that’s not exactly practical for a casual 5K.

Instead, I recommend layering two key products: Start with Premax Sunscreen for Sport, then once it’s absorbed, apply Premax Weather Defence Facial Cream. This combo forms a breathable but powerful barrier against both the wind and the sun. The weather defence cream is specially formulated to lock in moisture and shield your skin without clogging pores – perfect for active skin.

As triathlete and ultra-runner Kelly Egan puts it:

“When I’m putting in those long hours running or cycling, battling the wind and rain, my skin can easily become dry and uncomfortable. That’s where Premax Weather Defence cream steps in as my go-to saviour.”

Wear Sunscreen – Even in Autumn

It’s easy to forget sunscreen when it’s not sweltering outside, but UV rays are still out in full force in April and May. In fact, any time the UV index is 3 or above, sunscreen is a must. And don’t forget your lips! Use a lip balm with SPF to protect them from chapping and sun damage.

Premax Sunscreen for Sport is lightweight, sweat-resistant, and doesn’t run into your eyes – exactly what you want when you’re moving. For maximum protection, apply it to the high-exposure areas first – like your nose and cheekbones – wait a few minutes, then apply it to your full face. This layering technique ensures those sun-prone areas get the most coverage.

Take Care of Your Skin, Just Like You Do Your Body

As a physio, I’ll always champion outdoor exercise – it’s brilliant for both physical and mental health. But don’t forget: your skin is out there with you. Protecting it from wind, cold, and sun isn’t vanity – it’s smart endurance strategy.

Give it a go, and let me know how it works for you!

Happy running.
Randall

To find out more about their products, head to : Premax

And remember they are also an RMA brand partner, so don’t forget to use your member discount found online when logged in on our RMA website.

Long runs feel great – physically, mentally, emotionally. But your skin can cop a hiding.

Sweat, salt, friction, UV exposure, chafing, windburn… the list of skin stressors isn’t short. And while most runners are great at managing their muscles post-run – with hydration, nutrition, and stretching – many forget that the skin is our largest organ, and it needs recovery too.

Here’s how to properly care for your skin after a long run – and how Premax Recovery Cream for Skin can slot straight into your routine.

1. Start With a Proper Wash Down

Don’t wait hours before showering. Sweat is full of salt, bacteria, and other by-products of exercise. Letting it sit on your skin for too long can lead to clogged pores, breakouts, irritation, or infections like folliculitis.

• Use lukewarm water and a mild, non-drying cleanser.
• Avoid harsh scrubbing – especially if your skin is already chafed or windburnt.
• Pat dry – don’t rub.

2. Assess the Damage: Chafing, Dryness, Redness

Post-run, check the usual suspects:

• Underarms, bra lines, thighs, nipples – common chafe zones
• Nose and cheeks – prone to windburn and sun exposure
• Ankles and feet – often dry, cracked, or blistered

3. Apply Recovery Cream – Specifically for Skin

This is where most runners just slap on moisturiser and hope for the best.

Instead, use a formula designed for active, post-exercise skin. Premax Recovery Cream for Skin isn’t your everyday moisturiser – it’s engineered for runners and athletes.

Key ingredients:

• Sour Cherry Extract – antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
• Arnica – used to support bruised, irritated or damaged skin
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – calms, brightens, and repairs the skin barrier
• Allantoin – soothes and promotes surface-level healing

It’s lightweight, non-greasy, smells fresh (not floral), and absorbs fast – so you’re not left sticky or waiting to get dressed.

Apply it generously post-shower to anywhere your skin feels irritated, tight, or dry. Most women I work with keep one in their gym bag, car, or bathroom shelf – it’s become part of their ritual.

4. Don’t Forget Your Face

The face takes the brunt of outdoor running. Apply Premax Recovery Cream gently to the face if it’s been exposed to cold wind, dry air, or UV. For everyday protection, use our Weather Defence Cream before runs – but after, your face needs soothing too.

5. Repeat Tomorrow

Skin recovery doesn’t end on the day of your run. If your skin’s been irritated, chafed, or damaged, keep applying a recovery cream twice daily until it settles. Just like you wouldn’t skip stretching after a marathon, don’t skip skincare – especially when you’re in a high-load training block.

Final Word

Taking care of your skin post-run isn’t vanity – it’s smart recovery.

It’s the same logic you apply to foam rolling or protein intake: reduce damage, speed up repair, and be ready to go again. If your skin’s constantly dry, chafed, or inflamed, your running suffers too.

Add Premax Recovery Cream for Skin to your routine. Your skin will thank you.

You can find it here: Premax Recovery Cream for Skin

Happy running,
Randall

Keep Running, Pain-Free

To find out more about their products, head to : Premax

And remember they are also an RMA brand partner, so don’t forget to use your member discount found online when logged in on our RMA website.

If you’ve ever felt the sting of chafing or the throb of a blister mid-run, you’re not alone. These skin irritations are some of the most common (and frustrating) issues female runners face. And when you’re logging kilometres in the heat and humidity of an Australian summer, they can turn a great run into a painful experience. But the good news? With the right prevention strategies, you can stay comfortable and keep running strong.

Chafing: Why It Happens & How to Stop It

Chafing is the result of repeated friction—skin rubbing against skin or clothing, combined with sweat and heat. Areas like the inner thighs, underarms, sports bra line, and even the genital region are prime targets, especially on long runs.

How to prevent chafing:

• Wear the right gear: Opt for moisture-wicking, seamless fabrics and well-fitted sports bras. Loose clothing can bunch up and cause friction, so a snug but comfortable fit is key.
• Stay dry: Sweat exacerbates chafing, so using moisture-wicking underwear and applying a small amount of talc-free powder can help.
• Use a protective barrier: This is where a high-quality anti-friction balm makes all the difference. Premax Anti Friction Balm for Women is specifically designed for female runners—it’s pH balanced so it can be safely applied anywhere, including the genital region, and it’s made with a feminine blend of natural anti-bacterial ingredients. Plus, it’s the longest-lasting formula on the market, meaning it won’t wear off mid-run. Apply it generously before heading out, and you’ll notice the difference.

Blisters: The Runner’s Worst Enemy

Blisters form due to heat, moisture, and friction—typically on the feet where shoes and socks rub against the skin. Australian runners, who often train in hot conditions, are particularly susceptible.

How to prevent blisters:

• Choose the right socks: Ditch cotton and go for synthetic or wool-blend socks designed for running. Double-layer socks can also help reduce friction.
• Check your shoes: Shoes that are too tight or too loose can cause excessive rubbing. Ensure a proper fit, especially in the toe box.
• Use an anti-friction balm: Applying Premax Anti Friction Balm for Women to high-friction areas (like heels and toes) helps reduce friction and prevent hot spots before they turn into blisters.

Keep Running, Pain-Free

Chafing and blisters shouldn’t hold you back from doing what you love. With the right gear, smart prevention strategies, and a little help from Premax Anti Friction Balm for Women, you can enjoy every run—without the discomfort.

Give it a go, and let me know how it works for you! Happy running. Randall.

To find out more about their products, head to : Premax

And remember they are also an RMA brand partner, so don’t forget to use your member discount found online when logged in on our RMA website.

With the influx of local run clubs in the last 18-24 months. Where does RMA sit in the running space, what space do we hold together?

RMA begun as a place for mothers and women to share everything running had brought them, as the non runners around us just didn’t understand the importance running held in our lives or the sacrifices we were making to make that training happen or just how important reaching those goals was for us, seperate to who they thought we were.

We talked about the highlights, the low lights, the obstacles society had put in front of us, the obstacles we ourselves place in front of us. It was a place where others (strangers at first) congratulated you on the job you were doing and stressed the importance a healthy mind and lifestyle had on every other aspect of your life.

And then we made friends with these people, we started meeting those people, we started doing things together and we grew.

Run clubs are every where we look, but we can’t ignore the fact that as partners / mums / women / daughters / sisters / workers other priorities out of our control just appear. And that’s OK.                                                                                                                             I sometimes say RMA’s catch phrase should be “We run when we can“ – and then I say;  And today I can.

When I see the RMA logo, I know the person wearing it has that little more work to do before they can, without guilt, freely head out the door. And for that I think you are all amazing!

So 2026 is about Your Community. A big strong circle of helping hands. There when you need to be heard, accepted and supported

Important 2025 Dates:

November 1: Pre orders for 2026 designed singlets and Tshirts will open for 2 weeks, to allow delivery of tops as soon as the program opens. Preorder here, deliveries scheduled for the end of November/ first week of December. November 30th: Check your emails. All current 2025 program members will receive access to a discount code that unlocks 10% off 2026 RMA program membership FOR 2 WEEKS ONLY (until midnight on Sunday Dec 14th) Please do not share this code to others, this is exclusively for members use only. December 1: The 2026 RMA member benefit program will open.

2026 We will continue to offer a paid 2026 RMA membership program available for old and new members. The continuation of the RMA Member Benefit Program is vital to ensuring that RMA can keep connecting and reaching women in Australia through our vast network and the events and brands that we partner with. These partnerships, along with our members foster positive changes in our communities where active lifestyles, goal setting and achieving potential is pivotal to the overall health and wellbeing of women and their families. We hope to give members the opportunity to experience races and buy from brands all over Australia at a discounted rate to encourage more women to step outside of their comfort zones with the full support of other RMA all over Australia.

I can’t wait to see you all back in 2026 to strengthen RMA and see the effect we can have in the community in the coming year.

Michelle x

Why I wanted to become a Melbourne Marathon Spartan.

At a 40th birthday party, in January 2013, I ran into my school friend Sally. Half marathons were an increasing feature of both our lives, so of course we had one of those enthusiastic running chats’ we runners are renowned for.

Horrifically the Boston Bombing happened that April and Sally rang me and said “We are not going to let them take our sport away, we are going to run a marathon”. I took a few weeks to come around to this idea and accept the training that I was going to need to do to make the marathon distance. In August, Sally ran her first marathon in Adelaide in superb 3:36. By October I was ready to run my first Melbourne Marathon at the age of 41 and did so in a time of 3:50. Sally ran it in 3:58.

Right from the start I was hooked and knew I was going to run a lot more marathons. The Spartans tent was at the Expo and as soon as Sally and I discovered this amazing group we knew we wanted to be part of it. That first Melbourne Marathon was wet and cold. My leg muscles still recall the pain of walking up and down stairs and getting my legs to allow me to sit down on the toilet over the following days, but there was also the fabulous after glow and sense of achievement that kept me excited for future runs.

In May 2014 I ran the Barossa Marathon in 3:38 and realizing it was a Boston qualifier, and Sally had already run a BQ, I encouraged Sally to try for a BQ at Adelaide marathon. I ran the half that day and remember waiting for her at the finish line, while constantly checking my watch. She ran 3:42 and so as agreed (if we could both do a BQ in a 12-month window) we applied for Boston.  With the faster qualifier I knew I was in 10 days before Sally. She wanted this entry so much that she got hives waiting – but eventually she did get in and we had an amazing trip to the epic Boston Marathon. This was also the year I ran my Melbourne Marathon PB of 3:44, while Sally ran a blistering 3:37!

2015 saw me run my all-time marathon PB at Boston. It was a freezing and rainy day, not getting above 8 degrees Celsius. The madly exciting and encouraging atmosphere with bands, DJ’s, roadside parties, continual encouragement including being offered homemade lemon-slice, towels and beers along with the cold weather, got me to the finish line in 3:35.34 (3 seconds ahead of Sally- 3:35.37). I followed up with a 3:48 at Melbourne and Sally ran 3:38. Travelling back from Boston Marathon a few days later, Sally and I met Howard, a fellow marathon runner who lives in Melbourne and who has become a wonderful running friend.  We’ve gone on to catch up with Howard at lots of running events including the fabulous Traralgon Marathon in 2023.

2016 was my last under 4-hour Melbourne Marathon in 3:51, while Sally ran 4:05.

I completed my 5th Melbourne Marathon and 10th all-time marathon in 2017 in 4:03 while Sally ran a 4:25.

2018 saw me run a 4:25 in what I remember as the hot year of 28 degrees, while Sally was quicker in 4:09. Getting a selfie with the watermelon goddess Lucy Bartholomew, was a highlight in 2019 and I ran 4:11, meanwhile Sally ran 4:39. The one that didn’t count (because it was virtual) on December 12th 2020, started at 4am and included my much-loved local parkrun – Clare Valley parkrun.

In 2021 the event was postponed to December and with borders only opening weeks before, Sally and I decided not to go. My 8th Melbourne Marathon was in 2022 with me running 4:43 after focusing on trail running for most of that year, while Sally ran 5:21.

On a cool down run along a trail, during a regular Wednesday running club training in September 2023, I tripped on a hidden stump and broke my arm. I went to Melbourne regardless of not being able to run (I was very tempted to walk the marathon – but reluctantly decided to listen to my physio who warned I’d likely make the break worse and it would more than likely take longer to heal). My 16-year-old daughter was running her third half marathon, so I got to as many spots as I possibly could to see her running past and of course caught up with Sally also, who ran 5:18.

2024 was the brutal year. I had a pinched nerve in my glute and I felt it every step of the way- but nothing was going to stop me after missing 2023. Thankfully Sally became a Spartan that day! I took a grueling 5 hours and 6 minutes, while Sally ran a 5:20.

On October 12th 2025, I finally reached my goal of 10 Melbourne Marathons and become a Spartan. This club includes 3 amazing Spartans who have run every Melbourne Marathon since 1978, along with about 1900 runners (prior to MM2025) who have completed 10 or more Melbourne Marathons. The vast majority of these Spartans are male with a touch over 200 female Spartans. On Marathon day you can see them wearing the many milestone colours, featuring a large Spartan symbol. I was aiming for an under 4:30 marathon and was stoked to do it in 4:29.25! Sally pipped me at the post, running 4:29.07. Wearing my green 10-year runner t-shirt was as awesome as I knew it would be, getting shout outs, nods and smiles from other Spartans, aspiring Spartans, runners and the amazing crowd. 

Since that first Melbourne Marathon I’ve run a total of 38 official marathons or ultras, in one day (not including multi day events with day legs of under 42km or 42km plus adventure or training runs). There’s been a mixture of road and trail marathons/ultra’s, each of them wonderful in many ways. Along the way I’ve made some fabulous and inspiring friends and shared these experiences and the joy of running with each of them. The journey is not over. I’ll continue running marathons, including my yearly pilgrimage to Melbourne Marathon with Sally. My next goal is to run 60 marathons or more, by the time I turn 60.

Kirsty is a member of the RMA community and lives in South Australia. 

You can find out more about the Melbourne Marathon Spartans here

I did it… I ran a bloody marathon!!!!
From the very beginning I always said I would never run a marathon… I also use to
say I’d never run a half marathon. I have run 10 half marathons since October
2023.

Our running coach and group are mainly based in Melbourne and so many of them
run the Melbourne Marathon. Last November when it was leading up to the day to
jump online and buy tickets for the Melbourne Marathon my husband, Kim said, let’s
do it. Let’s try and get tickets to run the Melbourne Marathon. My reply was, you go
ahead and do the marathon, if we are going I’ll register for the half. Kim just said,
you can’t go all that way to run the half, do the marathon.
Nope, I wasn’t buying it… Well things changed suddenly that morning… Here I was
online trying to score a full marathon ticket… eeekkkk…
The first lot that went on sale first thing in the morning we both missed out. We
jumped on for the 2nd time and I was able to get a marathon ticket, Kim did not. I felt
sick. Kim was the main one that wanted to run this marathon not me. I said to him
you have my ticket and I’ll jump on and purchase a half ticket, there are some still
available. He said no!

By the time I thought I wasn’t going to listen to him, I’ll jump online and purchase that
half ticket and well, they were all sold out too.
Being relatively new to the running world and these bigger events I wasn’t aware
there were other ways of purchasing tickets. We purchased an accommodation
package that night and was guaranteed that second full mara ticket. I felt sick,
scared, excited and then oh my what have I done.
The months started ticking away very quickly, then I started our Training Plan which
did not go to plan.

Life does get in the way, working full time, being a wife and mum and then I was
struck down with a virus for 6 weeks, so my long runs were not very long at all…
This was over July and August. I could see on my plan what distances I should’ve
been running and just couldn’t… I was worried, my coach wasn’t.
I was well enough to pick up training at the end of August.
My long runs were on a Sunday morning, by myself. Kim is a lot faster than me so
we’d be out there at the same time, just not together.
After my 30km run I felt so good and actually said to myself, I reckon I can actually
run this marathon.
My 32km run was done in such strong winds, but I had a good run.
The week after, I ran a fast City to Bay and ran a time that I didn’t think possible.
My plan on the following week was a 38km very easy run. I did not want to do it, I
had to drag myself out the door.

We parked the car in a central location so we had extra water, electrolytes, gels etc.
I was going to run 5km one way, 5km back to the car, then 5km the other way, 5km
back to the car and so on, until I got to 38km.
I got to 26km and hit that brick wall.. I had tears and really didn’t know why I was
doing this. I pulled myself together and off I went again. Kim rang me when I was at
the 28.5km to see where I was at. He’d pulled the pin at 34km and was back at the
car. He offered to come and pick him up. I said no, I’d be so disappointed. By the
time I got back to the car and Kim I was at 30km. I had another drink and gel and
asked Kim to go to the servo and get me a coke please. Real coke, no coke zero.
I kept running towards town and by the time Kim had gone in and bought the coke I
thought I’d be getting closer to the 38km mark.
I pulled the pin at 35km. I could not physically or mentally go any further. This is
where all the doubts started coming in again. How the hell was going to run another
7.2km in 2 weeks time.

I pulled up very sore from this run. No running at all. I went to our Physio the
Wednesday before the event not knowing what it was or if I’d be ok to run. My
biggest fear was getting out on course and being in pain from the 15km mark and not
finishing.
Physio assured me I will run Sunday, and I will get to the finish line. It was just my
body telling me enough was enough. So I was given exercises to do.

We were driving to Melbourne and left on the Friday morning. We stayed at Ballarat
Friday night. I woke up Saturday morning wanting to go home. I felt so sick with
nerves and questioning everything again. We ticked off our first Interstate parkrun,
Wallaby Track parkrun. I chose to do a slow jog/walk. Mentally I needed to know if I
could run without pain
Parkrun felt great!!
On to Melbourne we went. Went to the expo and then spent a few hours at Salt
which was joined to the Pullman where we were staying. They have magnesium
spas, cold baths and saunas.
I don’t do cold, so spent a lot of time in the spa and sauna. My body was feeling
good.
Italian restaurant for tea to carb load, then into bed.
I think I slept for about 3 hours in total. Woke up at 4am thinking I was going to be
sick. Up at 4.30 to try and eat, that was hard.
5.40am off to meet our Runnez crew for a photo before the start. Coming down the
lift of the Pullman, the hotel was full of runners.. wow what a vibe.
All of a sudden I was at the start line

The first 21 – 25km felt good… then my biggest fear, I needed the toilet. At the
27km mark I saw 3 Portaloo’s.. no line up so I headed straight to them. They were all occupied but no line up. This put 5 mins on my time but I’d rather that than the
alternative.

Feeling ok.. saying to myself this feels way better then my last long run. My coach
was going to be at the 32km mark so I was looking forward to that. I got there, trying
not to cry, had a quick chat, flat coke, lollies and off I go again. 10km to go.
I got to the 35km mark and boom, there was that wall.
Those last 5-7km are brutal!
I rang Kim at the 40km mark in tears, I really didn’t know how I was going to get to
that finish line. He couldn’t hear me with all the background noise.
It was so hard to transition from walking to running, it hurt, it seemed better if I could
jog really slow. The positive here is that none of the pain I was experiencing was
from what I went to the physio for 4 days prior..
Then there were pacers that came up behind me. These 3 pacers helped me get to
the finish line. Their encouragement is next level, just amazing.

I was hurting and cramping but with their words of encouragement and then seeing
the MCG I forgot about it and dug really really deep. I made it, I got to that finish line.
That feeling running into and around the MCG was next level, I was so emotional and so bloody proud and so worth it all!

Melbourne marathon was brilliant and I am so glad I was pushed outside of my
comfort zone and ran 42.2km’s. The support out there on course from people you
know and from complete strangers is amazing.

I did it.. I ran a bloody marathon!!!! How lucky are we to be able to run events like
this!

Renae is a member of the RMA community and lives in South Australia. 

Running Mums Australia Annual Virtual Event! As we celebrate 12 inspiring years of community, connection, and collective kilometres, we’re inviting all RMA and friends to be part of something truly special. This isn’t just a run, it’s a celebration of everything we’ve built together. From that very first group post to the thousands of stories, shared wins, honest struggles, sweaty selfies, and finish-line photos since. Running Mums Australia has grown into a national sisterhood like no other. Whether you run solo at dawn, juggle a pram, or sprint through the trails with your weekend crew – this community has always had your back. And now, it’s time to do something together, no matter where we are.

To mark our 12th birthday, we’re launching our inaugural annual virtual event – 10km in the month of October and we want YOU to be part of it. Whether you’re in bustling Brisbane, regional WA, the heart of Melbourne, the streets of SA, the trails of NSW or anywhere in between, this event is your chance to unite with thousands of running mums across Australia and beyond. We may be separated by distance, but we’ll be connected by purpose, movement, and the RMA spirit that has carried us for more than a decade.

Here’s how it will work.

• Register before September 20th to secure your place, and your exclusive 2025 finishers medal. Registrations are limited, so don’t leave it to the last minute.
• In October, complete your 10km in your own time, in your own way, one go or over several runs, on trail, treadmill, or road. It all counts!

There’s no official timer, no race director yelling “GO!”, and no pressure. This is about participation, celebration, and community. It’s about knowing that as you take those steps, thousands of other RMAs are doing the same at sunrise, at nap time, after work, or whenever their window opens. More than a run, this event is a reminder: we’re never running alone. We’ve weathered lockdowns, life shifts, and long distances – and through it all, we’ve stayed connected. This run is the next step in building that connection into something we can feel, even when we’re far apart. So, tell your running besties, invite that mum in your street who’s just started running, or commit to doing this one for you. Because the RMA Annual Virtual Event is here – and we can’t wait to make it a tradition. Together, let’s celebrate 12 years of running with purpose, passion, and each other.

I would love to see some organised social runs with your friends for a date in October that works for you – to celebrate both RMA and you! Go on, pick the place, pick the cafe and head out for a fun 10km together, at your pace.

Registrations open TODAY. Registrations close September 20th. Run in October, and join us in making RMA history.

Find all the details, and lock in your medal here: https://runningmumsaustralia.com.au/product/2025-rma-virtual-10km-october/

Pricing includes an exclusive 2025 medal and postage so make sure your shipping address is correct when purchasing.