PLEASE NOTE: Sadly this weeks episode encountered some untimely technical glitches. We have only 1 camera angle and the audio is average for the first 24 minutes but then gets largely better/normal from there. We’re hopeful it’s still worth your time!

On today’s episode of Never Run Alone, we’re joined on debut by Belle Hawtin and Producer Lily gets on the microphone with the boys and triathlete Matilda Donkin to discuss a few great questions. Are marathons being normalised, is strava all performative or can it be used purely for good? And we of course unpack the iconic New York Marathon that happened at the weekend

Thanks for listening and watching. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you’re consuming the content, and leave a 5 star review - it all helps!

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

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Follow the regulars on IG: Cam Merrick Kris Farrenkothen Rien MacDonald

This week we’re joined by special guest Ash Wiseman with Kris Farrenkothen alongside returning Cam Merrick to unpack a big New York Marathon elite field. Plenty of people from the Sydney community are running this weekend and the weather looks primed. We also answer listener questions including one from our intern producer Lily, who can’t seem to wrap her head around the fact that people enjoy running. Who would’ve thought?

Buy/sells as always are rock solid so please enjoy listening and enjoy your run wherever you may be this weekend.

Thanks for listening and watching. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you’re consuming the content, and leave a 5 star review - it all helps!

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

Follow the regulars on IG: Cam Merrick Kris Farrenkothen Rien MacDonald

Today’s episode is one wholly focused on female sport, following Rien’s poorly worded and timed comment on Megan Chapple’s Instagram reel back in September.

Grateful to be joined by her today along with Matilda Donkin for both ladies debut podcasts, and as ever by the brilliant Sissi Bergman and Kris Farrenkothen to answer a slew of audience questions along with that very race and reel from Megan which sparked a host of Instagram comments. View the reel here.

Thank you all so much for the questions - we got through less than half of them so hopefully we’ll be back for a part 2 real soon.

Thanks for listening and watching. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you’re consuming the content, and leave a 5 star review - it all helps!

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

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5 days on from his elite debut in Melbourne, Cam Merrick unpacks the Melbourne Marathon in it’s entirety, sharing the seconds that stretched him and moments that mattered on the course, as he ran 10th overall.

We’re also joined for her all time podcasting debut (and naturally Never Run Alone debut) with dietician and nutritionist, as well as 7 time marathoner (including a 9th placed finish in Melbourne in 2024 - shout out Cam), Grace Liebelt. She unpacks lots of fuelling wisdom as we answer plenty of brilliant community questions - so thanks to all who asked!

Thanks for listening and watching. If you haven’t already, please subscribe wherever you’re consuming the content, and leave a 5 star review - it all helps!

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

An incredible day in Melbourne and a very raw recap from the finish line inside the MCG.

We speak of course first and foremost with the sweet prince Cam Merrick, crossing the finish line in 10th pace with a time of 2:21, and following that, a roaming mic including immediate thoughts from Andres Cubides, Colm Fitzgerald who finished 9th ahead of Cam after running together on the Gold Coast earlier this year.

We also spoke with Steve McKenna after his pod debut Friday, and Steve absolutely crushed his race, executed arguably to perfection finishing in 2nd place.

We're also joined by Joseph Pignataro, Magic Moments Productions, Mitch Dyer, Zac Bautista and a few strangers.

Thanks for listening! And if you enjoyed it, please share with a friend and subscribe wherever you listen.

As part of his elite debut, Cam and Rien attended the elite briefing by the Melbourne Marathon team, lead by Tim Crosbie.Following that, we were allowed onto the hallowed (and naturally covered ahead of the race) turf of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, jumping into row two of the members stand to chat ahead of Cam's 5th marathon in the space of 11 months, 3rd race and 1st as an elite.We answered listener submitted questions submitted as always via our Instagram as well as two from the organisers, the door bitch herself and Tim Crosbie who came for a chat.Enjoy!#melbmara #eliterunning #neverrunalone

It’s the 10th day of the 10th month of the 10th year since last weeks guest, Lydia O’Donnell debuted in the marathon here at Melbourne. And on this fine Friday, we’re joined by a hatrick of M’s, the Triple M in fact of Mack Dewar, Steve McKenna and Cameron Merrick to preview all things Melbourne Marathon, the elite fields, the course, as well as generously sharing their respective race plans for this Sunday.

We also touch on arguably the fastest of the seven major marathons, Chicago, which is happening on the same day as Melbourne (just later that night - 11.20pm kick off specifically courtesy of #timezones), and as always warm up questions + the buy/sell of the week!

Thanks for listening, watching, and reading this longwinded pod description.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

After 2 weeks away, we’re back in the studio to kick off the best month of the year.

This week we are joined by the brilliant Lydia O’Donnell, who is the Nike Pacific Head Run Coach and the Co-Founder and CEO of Femmi - the ultimate female running app and community bringing together knowledge for women to train with purpose and run with confidence.

We discuss how Femmi came to be 5 years ago this month, as well as Melbourne Marathon, our classic buy/sell and of course answering some warm-up questions at the top.

Enjoy as ever and thank you all for listening and contributing with questions via IG!

A guest list of Ella Boudakin, Kris Farrenkothen, Cam Merrick and Lydia O’Donnell. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

Follow Lydia and Femmi on Instagram.

Check out their website femmi.co and download the app.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

It's Majors Season!!Tune in as the boys chat about whether or not Net Downhill races should count for PBs, the torturous weather in Berlin for the marathon, 130th Boston Marathon news and a quick field preview for Chicago Marathon. Enjoy as ever and thank you all for listening and contributing with questions via IG!This week brought to you by Kris Farrenkothen and Cam Merrick. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.An eclectic group of people answering questions, sharing thoughts and running amok.Listen to our Tangents episode with Sydney Marathon Race Director, Wayne Larden via ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠, Spotify and ⁠YouTube⁠.Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you're there.Come one, come all, come running.Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.Listen on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ and SpotifyWatch on ⁠YouTube⁠This podcast is sponsored by the legends ⁠Aid Station⁠. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you've finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you're at it.

Down a member (Ella is a teacher and apparently they work really hard), the boys tackle everything World Athletics Champs and Cam's upcoming Elite start at Melbourne Marathon.

Enjoy as ever and thank you all for listening and contributing with questions via IG!

This week brought to you by Kris Farrenkothen and Cam Merrick. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

An eclectic group of people answering questions, sharing thoughts and running amok.

Listen to our Tangents episode with Sydney Marathon Race Director, Wayne Larden via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you're there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you've finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you're at it.

Spring has sprung and so has 12 months worth of rain on Sydney.

Fresh after the news that Eliud Kipchoge and Sifan Hassan are doing the Farrenkothen-MacDonald (also known as the Sydney-New York double) we welcome back onto the show Sissi Bergman for her first studio appearance of 2025 as she enters the final 2 months of NYC training and shares exciting news about a recent partnership.

We also breakdown our personal running history, have a good look at Tokyo World Champs which kick off on Saturday the 13th, as well as a brief preview toward Melbourne and NYC Marathons.

Enjoy as ever and thank you all for listening and contributing with questions via IG!

A guest list of Sissi Bergman, Kris Farrenkothen and Cam Merrick. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

An eclectic group of people answering questions, sharing thoughts and running amok.

Support Sissi and the Rise Against Hunger initiative - act.riseagainsthunger.org/runsisrun

Listen to our Tangents episode with Sydney Marathon Race Director, Wayne Larden via Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

A conversation with Wayne Larden, who is the Sydney Marathon Race Director and CEO of Pont3, and over the last 2 decades has worked tirelessly to turn Sydney into an Abbott World Marathon Major. This past month, he did just that.

Tangents are a chance to step off the usual path and dive into one‑off conversations with a special guest. Each conversation explores a focused topic, but just like in running (and in life), we’re bound to take a few unexpected turns along the way.

Thanks to Wayne Larden for joining us. Hosted by Rien MacDonald

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

Just like that, the 2025 Sydney Marathon is in the rear vision mirror. Months of training. Years of planning. Decades in the making. We can confirm it was a major weekend not only for Sydney but for Australia on the whole.

The regular 4 return this week to answer all of your questions as well as recap in greater detail what was a big Sydney Marathon on Sunday, with all 4 speakers having a very different marathon experience.

We also unpack the elite fields, with a special eye on our homegrown heroes. And as always, we finish with our buy/sell of the week.

Thanks so much for listening and asking loads of questions - we appreciate it a great deal!

A guest list of Ella Boudakin, Kris Farrenkothen and Cam Merrick. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

An eclectic group of people answering questions, sharing thoughts and running amok.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

What a day in Sydney. Hundreds of thousands in the streets. Resplendent sunshine. Cramps all over the gaff. Even more PBs. And an all time day. Reaction from the finish line with a proper recap to come next week. Enjoy! Special shout out to Rich Hawtin and the DONKINS!

Featuring a dozen or so legends. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

An eclectic group of people answering questions, sharing thoughts and running amok.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

Cover photo courtesy of Kris Farrenkothen.

Recorded 48 hours prior to the Sydney Marathon (but sadly released post marathon due to an enormous week for the producer) we sat down with the Aus 10k record holder and marathon debutant, Sam Clifford.

The 23 year old from Tassie earlier this year broke the 10k record and with a his new home town of Sydney becoming a major.

As humble and honest as they come. Congratulations to Sam on his debut Marathon - thank you to him for joining us less than 48 hours before the day and sharing all he did. We hope you enjoy listening and watching!

A guest list of Sam Clifford, Ella Boudakin, Kris Farrenkothen and Cam Merrick. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

An eclectic group of people answering questions, sharing thoughts and running amok.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

2 days now until Sydney becomes a major. We sat down with 2 special guests from out of town to discuss all things Sydney Marathon.

Enjoy the podcast!

A guest list of Roberto Mandje, Mack Dewar, Ella Boudakin, Kris Farrenkothen and Cam Merrick. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

An eclectic group of people answering questions, sharing thoughts and running amok.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

Just 9 days out from the first ever Major Marathon in our beautiful country, what has no doubt been a multi decade journey for the city is now just single digits of days away, and we’re stoked to chat all things Sydney Marathon in a pre-preview, including breaking down the breakdown of our beloved Kris Farrenkothen, the course itself, as well as the elite field.

It has been raining all week in Sydney but the forecast is looking up, as we also answer plenty of brilliant questions so thank you all for asking them. Included in this is a brief breakdown of some of the best things you can do next week in Sydney, which is proving to be a jam packed schedule.

Thanks to all for submitting questions, and to you for watching, listening and all the rest of it. We hope you enjoy!

A Game by Emma Murray - Referenced on the episode

Michael Jordan - Founders - Also referenced

A guest list of Kris Farrenkothen, Cam Merrick and Ella Boudakin. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

An eclectic group of people answering questions, sharing thoughts and running amok.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

In this episode, Builders. Conversations with game changers building new words, all whilst running at pace, we speak with photographer, runner, husband and father, Joe Greer.

An undeniable force in the world of photography, Joe hasn’t always had it his own way, and whilst there is clear success, he isn’t someone who is about to rest on his laurels. In this conversation held back in January 2025, we discuss the roots of his obsession for photography, and how 10 years outside of running fueled both an enormous return and the man he is today. That and so much more in this episode of Builders.

PLEASE NOTE: We are aware of the audio issues in this episode prior to publishing. Sadly due to a faulty XLR cable connected to Joe’s mic, we had some issues but did our best to clean it up so that you could enjoy the thoughts from this great man. We hope you enjoy despite the less than optimum quality.

Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Thanks for listening.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

Check out Joe’s vlog from his time in Brisbane.

Joe’s doco - Moving Still - that we discussed in this episode.

What a week for the pod. They’re all great weeks let’s be honest - thanks for tuning in once again.

This week, we answer plenty of questions from you the audience in our warm up segment to kick things off - getting so many now it’s not possible to answer them all.

We chat City2Surf and how our sweet prince Cam Merrick uncovered a Red Bull competition post last weeks recording, to then go on and face controversy in taking the W and booking himself a trip to Japan in 2026.

As always, we unpack the Sydney Marathon build being almost 2 weeks out, an Aussie Athletics update and what we’re buying and selling.

Thanks to all for submitting questions, and to you for watching, listening and all the rest of it. We hope you enjoy!

A guest list of Kris Farrenkothen, Cam Merrick and Ella Boudakin. Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

An eclectic group of people answering questions, sharing thoughts and running amok.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.

Never Run Alone is a podcast exploring the definitions of the word "run", through the eyes, mind and souls of humans refusing to stand still.

In this episode, Builders. Conversations with game changers building new words, running at pace. We speak with serial entrepreneur, Ironman and Ultraman athlete, James McCleery.

We discuss how Jimmy’s innate loves from an early age, have compounded into a life where he has built his 7th business fuelling the nations athletes. How business is the ultimate endurance sport, maintaining performance through athletic endeavours and the importance of those you love.

Hosted by Rien MacDonald.

Thanks for listening.

In collaboration with Unofficial Run Club and Powered by Fortem Media.

Questions? DM us on Instagram, and follow us whilst you’re there.

Come one, come all, come running.

Please subscribe, rate and review wherever you are listening.

Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify

Watch on YouTube

This podcast is sponsored by the legends Aid Station. Jimmy, Mets and the team there have the motto that the first discipline is nutrition, and via Aid Station they seek to fuel you to your next finish line, so once you’ve finished listening or watching this episode, head on over to aidstation.com.au and make an order - and be sure to use the code mentioned in this episode to support us whilst you’re at it.