About Our Team

Australian runners helping Australian runners find the perfect gear

Our Story

RunningBelt.com.au began in 2020 when a group of passionate runners from across Australia got tired of the same frustrating experience: buying running belts that bounced, chafed, or simply didn't suit the unique demands of running in Australian conditions. After countless hours comparing products, testing gear on bush trails from the Blue Mountains to the Dandenongs, and sharing notes over post-run coffees, we realised other runners could benefit from everything we'd learned.

What started as a simple comparison spreadsheet shared among friends quickly evolved into something bigger. We discovered that many Australian runners were facing the same challenges: finding gear that could handle the intensity of summer heat, understanding which hydration solutions work for long trail runs, and navigating the overwhelming number of options available online. There was clearly a need for honest, practical advice written specifically for the Australian running community.

Our team has collectively logged over 50,000 kilometres across road races, trail ultras, coastal paths, and everything in between. Every recommendation we make comes from genuine experience.

What We Believe

We believe that the right running gear should be invisible during your run. You shouldn't be thinking about your belt, adjusting your hydration pack, or worrying about whether your phone is secure. The best equipment lets you focus entirely on the rhythm of your feet, the trail ahead, and the pure joy of running.

That's why our reviews and guides go beyond simple product specifications. We consider real-world performance: How does this belt handle the sweat of a 35-degree Sydney summer day? Will it stay put during technical trail descents? Does the bounce become noticeable after the 20-kilometre mark of a marathon? These are the questions we answer because they're the questions that actually matter to runners.

Our Team

Our contributors include marathon runners, ultramarathon veterans, trail enthusiasts, and weekend joggers. We have members based in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide, giving us diverse perspectives on running conditions across the country. Some of us prefer the solitude of early morning runs; others thrive in the energy of parkrun communities. What unites us is a genuine passion for running and a commitment to helping others enjoy it too.

Every article on RunningBelt.com.au is written by someone who runs regularly and has personally tested the gear they write about. We don't accept paid reviews or allow manufacturers to influence our recommendations. Our loyalty is to the running community, not to any particular brand. When we recommend a product, it's because we genuinely believe it offers value to Australian runners.

Our Promise: We'll always provide honest, research-backed advice. We test what we recommend. We acknowledge when we're wrong. And we'll keep running, keep testing, and keep sharing what we learn.

Beyond Product Recommendations

While running belts are our specialty, our mission extends further. We aim to be a comprehensive resource for Australian runners, covering topics from proper hydration strategies for our unique climate to safety tips for running in bushfire-prone areas. Running is about so much more than gear, and we want RunningBelt.com.au to reflect that breadth.

Whether you're lacing up for your first Couch to 5K session or preparing for your tenth Comrades ultra, we're here to help. Browse our guides, use our comparison tools, and feel free to reach out with questions. We're runners first, and we genuinely love hearing from fellow members of the running community.

Meet Our Contributors

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Sarah Mitchell

Lead Editor

Marathon runner and gear enthusiast based in Sydney. 15+ years of running experience.

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Michael Chen

Trail Running Expert

Ultra runner who has completed multiple 100km events across Australia's toughest trails.

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Dr. Emma Watson

Sports Scientist

PhD in Exercise Physiology. Specialises in hydration and nutrition for endurance athletes.

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James Cooper

Product Reviewer

Former athletics coach and dedicated parkrunner. Tests every product we feature.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Running Belt?

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