Running for Geelong: Lee Troop on Olympic Resilience & Building a Legacy

Join us for an in-depth conversation with three-time Olympic marathoner Lee Troop as he shares the unfiltered story of his journey from a young boy running with his father to a world-class athlete and now, a community visionary.

Lee provides a raw and honest account of his twenty-year professional career, unpacking the relentless discipline required to run 250-kilometer weeks and complete a 1,000-day running streak. He reflects on the highs of his major city marathon performances and the hard-won lessons from three vastly different and challenging Olympic campaigns. He also speaks candidly about the immense physical and psychological toll of elite sport, including the career-ending injury that reshaped his life’s purpose.

The conversation then shifts to his current passion: an eight-year mission to bring a world-class running festival to his hometown, Geelong. Lee details the immense logistical hurdles, from navigating city-wide road closures to emergency service access plans. This is a masterclass in community building, as Lee explains how the Geelong Running Festival is designed to be “more than just a race.” Discover the intricate details behind its purpose-driven model, including partnerships with local charities, the creation of an Indigenous running group, a meticulously designed medal celebrating Geelong’s heritage, and a finish-line festival built to celebrate every single participant.

This is not just a story about running; it’s a powerful narrative about resilience, the importance of mentorship, and transforming a lifetime of personal achievement into a lasting legacy for an entire community.

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