Brodie Tohara
Brodie Tohara’s relationship with sport began where many do: in teams. Basketball came first, including plenty of state-level competition, where he learned what it meant to work his way up, support others, and contribute to something bigger than himself. What stayed with him most wasn’t just performance, but community - the way sport brings people together and creates connection.
As he moved from basketball into football, that feeling slowly changed. The pressure of pathways and expectations crept in, and enjoyment began to fade. Running entered his life more quietly, but everything shifted when he found the All Ours Run Club. With no pressure on pace or distance, it reframed his mindset into me versus me. Running became personal - early mornings, long runs, coffee afterward - simple rituals that brought clarity and consistency, much to the disappointment of his bank account.
That mindset was tested in 2025, a year defined by one remarkable stretch: three marathons in three months.
Sydney came first. Then Queenstown - a race that meant far more than the distance itself. Born in New Zealand, running on home soil felt grounding and deeply personal, but the day didn’t unfold how he’d hoped. A ten-minute stop mid-race left him disappointed, and the goal of a sub-three-hour marathon suddenly felt far away. What mattered most was what came next. A week later, Brodie lined up for the 2XU Half Marathon, where belief returned - helped in no small part by his parents, who were constant throughout, reminding him how far he’d come and that pride wasn’t tied to a time on the clock. He backed it up again at the Singapore Marathon, coming agonisingly close to breaking three hours and proving the progress was real.
Away from racing, life didn’t slow down. Long days working at the airport, early starts, and heavy weeks demanded discipline. Amazingly, Brodie doesn’t follow a coach or training app - everything is self-guided - so habits matter. To remove choice, he’d leave his running clothes laid out so that when he got home, the decision was already made. Put them on and go. The formula stayed simple: show up, trust the process, and let consistency do the work. Whenever he returns home, he still runs with his mum through the countryside, a quiet reminder of where it all began.
Brodie’s lifestyle mirrors his approach to running. He values routine, faith, and clarity. He doesn’t drink - a choice he made early and never looked back on - and believes you don’t need to change who you are to belong. Before every race, he calls his grandparents and says a quiet prayer on the start line, reflecting on the work that brought him there. He’s quick to acknowledge the people around him too, giving a shoutout to his close friend Ben, who’s been part of the journey from the early days.
Recently, Brodie started a new role at ASICS, something he’s genuinely loving, with a longer-term goal of becoming an ambassador for the brand in 2026. A HYROX race in April will mark another new challenge - not a departure from running, but an extension of his curiosity and willingness to try.
Asked for his one percenters moment, Brodie points to trusting his gut. Realising that one pathway doesn’t define you - it simply helps guide you to the right one.
