Overview
In 2025, Marrickville construction worker Jermaine Jones decided to run a marathon. Then... he kept going. Over the course of 34 days, Jermaine completed 34 marathons. Yep, one marathon per day. It was all to raise money for Black Dog Institute's Future Proofing Study, a longitudinal research project on adolescent mental health.
Jermaine lapped Centennial Park each day, hitting the 42.2-kilometre distance and representing the ups and downs that come with depression. Now, Jermaine is competing in races across the country, championing the importance of mental health and documenting it all on social media.
And when you're as obsessed with endurance as Jermaine, what's on your feet matters. The runner trialled the adidas Hyperboost shoes, designed to deliver a more comfortable, energised running experience through hyper cushioning, hyper energy and a hyper-light feel. Built for performance, grounded in innovation and designed with style in mind, the shoes are made for runners who want more from every kilometre.
From sunrise sessions to post-run coffees, below, Jermaine shares his favourite Sydney running route, what he loves about the city's running community and his next big goal. 
CP: How did you get into the sport and how long have you been running for?
Jermaine: When I finished high school, I remember seeing a news report about how many people stop playing sports and looking after their fitness once they leave school. It stuck with me and pushed me to make staying active a priority. At the time, weight training was my main focus, with running more of a supplementary activity. I started taking running more seriously around 2019, and it has become a huge part of my life since then.
Last year, you completed 34 marathons in 34 consecutive days for mental health awareness. How did this idea come about, and what did you learn through the journey?
The idea came from wanting to take on a daily challenge that would push my physical and mental limits. I timed it around the Sydney Marathon, when there would be a lot of attention on running in Sydney. For me, a multi-day running challenge felt like a good way to represent the ups and downs of mental health. There are days when you feel strong and everything feels possible, and there are other days when simply taking the next step can feel incredibly difficult.
I wanted to use my body and the challenge to help highlight the struggles that so many people experience. What I learned most was just how many people have been personally affected by mental health issues. People would come and run with me for anything from five minutes to five hours, and many of them would open up about things they had never really spoken about before. Running became a safe platform for people to connect and have those conversations.
What do you enjoy most about the sport and running community?
I love the diversity of the running community — the different backgrounds, run clubs, personalities and interests that all come together through running. One of the things I enjoy most is the lifestyle that comes with being a runner. A sunrise run, grabbing breakfast afterwards or meeting friends for a coffee can become part of your everyday life. Running has a way of extending beyond the actual run and influencing your whole lifestyle.
What is your favourite running route in Sydney and why?
Centennial Park is by far my favourite. It almost feels like stepping into an arena of runners, cyclists and walkers. There is always something happening, and I love the energy of being surrounded by people who are all out moving for different reasons.
Do you have a go-to cafe you hit up in Sydney post-run?
AP Bakery is my go-to. There are locations dotted around Sydney, so it's always easy to get to after a run, and they never seem to disappoint. I also love that there are always new specials and things to try.
What's a running goal you're currently working towards?
My big goal is to complete a transcontinental run, either across America or Europe. The exact route is still to be decided, but the idea of running across an entire continent is something I'm really excited about.
What makes a great running shoe?
For me, a great running shoe needs to have the right balance of stability and comfort, but it also has to look good. I get a huge amount of confidence when I'm wearing a shoe that I think looks great. If you're getting compliments on your shoes while you're running, that's an added bonus.
Do you run with music/podcasts, or prefer silence?
It really depends on the session. For long runs, I actually tend to run in silence. I enjoy being able to switch off and just settle into the rhythm of running. For harder workouts — intervals, tempo runs or anything that requires a bit more intensity — I'll usually put on some fast-paced music to help get me going.
What are your top three running non-negotiables?
- Prepare the night before: Have your running gear and shoes ready to go so there's no excuse in the morning.
- Strength train: Strength training has become a really important part of improving my running and keeping my body strong.
- Take the first step: No matter how motivated or unmotivated you feel, just get out the door and take the first step. Once you start moving, everything becomes easier.
If you could offer advice to runners early on in their journeys, what would it be?
My honest advice would be to take it slow and not get carried away too early. Enjoy the sport and give yourself time to fall in love with running. And don't be afraid to strength train alongside your running. Building strength can complement your running, make you more resilient and help you enjoy the sport for longer.
Run Hyper with Hyperboost.
Image Credit: Josh Mullins