The Trail Running Series
Ambassador Q&A
NAME: Jason Rawlings
1. Describe a little bit about yourself… family, work, home, age…
I’m originally from the UK, and first moved over to Melbourne in 2010, and got my permanent residency a couple of years ago. I’ve been running since I left school and did my first half marathon when I was 17 (30 years ago!!), and have ran since, although mountain biking was a big passion back in the UK. Whilst there I was a run coach for the equivalent of Little Aths and also a PTI (Physical Training Instructor) for the UK Army Reserves.
Since moving over I’ve stepped up my running and completed my first marathon in 2013 in Melbourne, and have since ran the Berlin Marathon. I also ran the Trail Series in 2013, before stepping up to the 56km at Two Bays in 2014, and my first 100km at Surf Coast Century in 2017.
Stage races are what I really enjoy, and completed my longest one to date earlier this year in New Zealand, at Alps 2 Ocean, covering about 320km over a week. Later this year I’m taking part in the 101km CCC race as part of UTMB, with the Trail Series feeding into my training.
In Australia I was originally working as a Personal Trainer, but these days I’m back to being an IT Project Manager, and a running coach outside of that, working with locals clubs, including the Crosbie Crew and Kathmandu & Salomon, as well as 1 on1 personal coaching.
2. What is your favourite trail running location and why?
The scenery on the Alps 2 Ocean trail in New Zealand was pretty epic, but I’d have to say the Surf Coast Century trails are probably my favourite. They’re pretty close to Melbourne and have such a variety, with each leg being so different.
My favourite home trails are around Studley Park along the Yarra – we have some great trails right on our doorstep. This is where I coach on Thursday nights, and are part of the trails that are used for the night race.
3. Have you done the Trail Running Series before and what do you love about it?
Yes, back in 2013. I still hadn’t been in Melbourne that long and new to trails, so it was awesome to have this series to take me to new locations to experience some of the fantastic Victorian trails. I love that they offer 3 distance at each race, and progressively get longer with each race, making it really inclusive, helping get more people onto the trails and discovering how great the trail community is.
I also ran the long course of the Anglesea race last year, following on from Surf Coast Century the previous day. It certainly wasn’t my quickest or most comfortable run, but I did win the Concrete Shoe for the lowest combined time.
4. How is your training going, anything to pass on to others?
As I write this I’m not actually training, as I’m recovering from the Margaret River 80km Ultra – another awesome Rapid Ascent event, with epic scenery (and way too much soft sand). I’ll be back training in a week or so, with my usual variety of track, road and trails, alongside some strength work in the gym.
Regarding any advice, consistent running is key, and not doing too much too soon. Most runs should be at an easy pace – enjoy them!
5. What inspires you to run? Why do you do it?
Alongside all the fitness and health benefits, I love sharing my knowledge and passion with others, and seeing them enjoy running and reaching their goals truly inspires me.
6. Can you describe your most memorable run.
I’d returned to the UK in 2012 after travelling in S.E. Asia for a few months, and hadn’t done any running in quite a long time. There was a local 10km road race in about a month’s time, which I decided would be good motivation for training. Come race day my family came to watch, which is one of the only times this has happened since my first half marathon, as I’d live away from home since I was 20.
One of the big local running clubs descended on this relatively small race, which my sister pointed out and said I’d be lucky to keep up them. I managed to win my age group having just missed out on the main podium, making my family really proud, which meant so much to me. My dad passed away in 2015, so that was the last time he saw me run.
7. What is your favourite post-race food?!
Choccy milkshake initially, and then a decent pizza later on. Winner!
Thanks for your time Jason. For more info regarding training, nutrition registrations and all other things The Trail Running series please head to the official website: