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FOR THIS LIFE

Jack Rayner is an Australian long-distance runner, based in Melbourne but often on the go. Fast in running as in dancing, he easily goes from athletic tracks to techno festivals.

This different approach to his professional career is what makes him more odd and interesting, as well as his Steve Prefontaine old-fashioned look. Unlike him, however, Jack can claim many more appearances on the best running-themed meme pages.

Jack boasts appearances and podiums in major international competitions, qualified for the Tokyo Olympics where had to drop during the marathon due to an injury, and you probably remember that blond mustache among Eliud Kipchoge's pacers in Vienna in 2019. 

While writing this, he’s winning the Melbourne Marathon.

Does athletics allow you to express yourself?

In some ways yes! I’m fortunate enough to do most of my runs out in nature and on the trails. I definitely feel most like myself when I’m in these spaces.

You were one of the pacers of Eliud when he broke the 2 hours marathon record in Vienna, but we see you also in the pit of music festivals. Are you always this spontaneous in life?

I would love to say that is always the case but it’s not quite so. Running at a high level does take sacrifice so when I do get the opportunity to go to festivals/events that fit into my schedule it’s a no brainer. I’m much more relaxed when I’m still able to enjoy myself and I perform better when I’m in a relaxed headspace. Being pent up training/racing without giving yourself time to do things you enjoy doesn’t work out.

Mullet + mustache became your signature. Do you know you are the more recognizable in the pack?

I guess the mustache has become a bit of a trademark. I first grew it in 2017 and now can’t remember what it’s like without it, safe to say it’s here to stay. It’s certainly easy to spot in a pack.

Do you have running related guilty pleasures?

Choccy milk post run!

You come from Australia but spend a lot of time traveling for races and trainings all over the world, do you adapt easily to where you are?

Definitely! Observing the way people go about life wherever I go is one of the things I enjoy most about traveling. If you can’t adapt, you’re not cut out for it.

You are a kind of ambassador for people that have a different look and appeal in the running system, an ode to originality and uniqueness. Do you agree?

I think that everyone should embrace their own uniqueness in all areas of their life, being able to show that side through running is a bonus. Running can become quite monotonous, when and where you can it’s good to keep things exciting.

What do we find if we scroll through your camera roll?

It’s a very mixed bag. Photos of almost any animal I come across including lots of photos of my cat. Bikes, art, friends, records, nature or anything that I find interesting.

What about your all time favorite running shoe, coolest brand and most beautiful architecture you've seen?

This is a tough one! For easy running it would be the original Pegasus Turbo from 2018, for racing it’s hard to beat the Next % 1’s from 2019. 

There’s a heap of cool clothing brands out there it’s hard to pick a favorite, Sage Nation and j-la-l have been coming out with some great stuff.

I’d have to say the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence, seeing that at night was stunning.

You wear quite often Gyakusou stuff, miss those cool running apparel?

I absolutely miss it. It’s a shame that the Gyakusou line has been discontinued. Some of the earlier pieces are really well done. I’m sure they’ll come out with something similar soon.

Sharing is caring: we suggested you some spots in Milan during your stay in the city, what would you recommend in Melbourne?

I’d recommend visiting Melbourne in late spring or summer. That's when there’s the most happening and also the nicest weather. 

Starting the day with a run along the Yarra trails through Abbotsford and out toward Yarra bend. South Melbourne market is great on the weekend, juniper does great brunch. 

Shopping along Smith/Gertrude & Brunswick st. A visit to the Botanical Gardens is a must. Late afternoon mellow yoga at Good Vibes Studio. Dinner/drinks at Little Hop then onto Runner Up rooftop bar to extend the night. If you’re here during the weekend it’s worth seeing what’s on at Miscellania.