Philip Travels from Australia to Run Yorkshire Marathon

Philip is travelling all the way from Queensland, Australia, where he lives with his wife Sylvia and dog Indie, to take part in the 2025 Altra Yorkshire Marathon.

Originally from Saltburn-by-the-Sea, York was always one of Philip's favourite places to visit in the UK, and he has continued to make the 10,000 mile journey since emigrating to New Zealand in 2005.

"I love that it has a history that you can see and touch on almost every street."

Philip now runs along the coastline of the Noosa National Park, claiming that it is "no less spectacular than doing a run along the beach from Saltburn-by-the-Sea to Redcar".

However, Philip has not been able to train as much as he might have liked after hurting his knee while sliding on a muddy trail during a visit to the UK in May, and has been unable to run painlessly since. Although, with treatment and rest, he is now able to build up to some short and slow runs.

"No matter how run fit I've been, I know that a marathon is going to be both a physical and mental challenge."

But he can still draw inspiration from the over 15 marathon medals he has on display at home in Australia, having run the London marathon three times, as well as the New York and Paris marathons.

Philip also experienced the race as a volunteer at the 2004 London Marathon where he gave out finisher medals to many, including the former England football manager Graham Taylor.

"The whole experience of giving out those medals was very emotional for me and, at the end of the day, I think I was as exhausted as the finishers."

And, while he is excited to run the Yorkshire marathon and certainly try his hardest, he is not focusing on setting a new PB this time round.

"Now I try not to focus on the time, but rather on the privileges of getting older and being able just to run, as not everyone is as fortunate...I'm focusing on my goal of making the start line. Once I do that, I'll deal with the miles ahead and visualise the finish line while looking at the history that the route has to offer."

Philip will be running the marathon in memory of his dad, who unfortunately passed away on his trip to the UK in May.