Matt Robbie

2020 Ambassador

Matt is a natural runner, leader, and enthusiastic (not-to-mention popular) Canberra community figure.  Growing up on the Central Coast of NSW, Matt was always close to an athletics track and even met his wife there. He was first introduced to fun runs by his dad at 8 years old and has been competing ever since, with a career highlight of representing Australia at only 21 years old in the world mountain running championships in Switzerland – 42.2km worth of vertical climb! “Trail running combines two of my favourite things; the outdoors and running! Also – the natural terrain is my biggest competitor aka the hills, rocks, mud and water!” says Matt.

In the last 12 months since taking on the incredibly important role of ‘stay at home parent’ his running has come back with a vengeance, providing him an opportunity to bond with his daughter and get in lots of training on the trails around Canberra. “Since having Zena and becoming her full time carer, I especially enjoy taking her out on adventures to all the beautiful bush lands that the ACT/NSW have to offer. The best part is, so far she seems to take after me and is at home out there too”.

Matt is a regular at his home Parkrun in Tuggeranong but loves to visit other Parkruns and participate. “I am ADDICTED. I love that its free, and inclusive of every single individual. That’s what running should be, individuals striving to be the best version of themselves”. In 2019, his training was rewarded with a win in Stromlo Running Festival’s 50km ultra marathon with a cracking time of 3:47:44.

Speaking about becoming an Ambassador for SRF 2020 Matt says “It is an honour. I’ve always wished and hoped Australia would have more running events and festivals packed with trail running and community spirit and SRF is the perfect example of such an event. To be recognised and given this opportunity to share the spirit of trail running excites me and ignites the fire within to spread the happiness that running in nature brings.”

Memberships:

• Elevate Fitness
• Speedy Geese
• Terrgial Trotters
• Mingara Athletics club

Achievements:

• SRF2019 50km 1st place
• Tuggeranong trot – 20km first place and record 
• Pram parkrun  – 15.29min (Gungahlin)
• Overall parkrun pb – 14.50min (Wagga Wagga)

Follow Matt on Instagram @true_house_wife

For more information about: Matt Robbie

For more information about: Matt Robbie, or any other event-related questions you might have please get in touch.