Tim Franklin Runs The World: Conquering 622 Marathons To Motivate You To Move
“I embarked on this global run to challenge myself both physically and mentally but also to make a difference in the world to get people out and get moving.” - Tim Franklin
Running around the world for a distance equivalent to 622 marathons may be the adventure of a lifetime, but it was the transformation that Brisbane born Tim Franklin endured 20 years prior that saved his life.
In his adolescence, Tim fell off track of his health. According to his website, “weighing in at 120kg Tim realised his lifestyle fuelled by poor diet, alcohol, corporate life and partying was likely to send him to an early grave.”
He would protect his parents from facing the hardest thing imaginable – losing a child – by reigniting his passion for his own health.
It started with a 2.2 km run
It may sound small compared to the total 26,232 km he aspired to conquer on his run around the world – but for Tim, that 28 minutes was everything. Proving he was capable of running 2.2 km – persevering through the pain and doubt – was the spark he needed to know he was capable of anything.
His future was not restricted by his past poor choices. His “darkest hour” didn’t have to define him. His determination in the present, would guide him forward.
Fast-forward 20 years, 41 year old Tim Franklin, affectionally called ‘Australia’s Forrest Gump’, is a global advocate for the positive benefits of running and feels gratitude for simply being able to put one foot in front of the other.
“Exercise is everything – and every step is a bloody privilege”
From the 3rd of December 2022 to the 30th of June 2024, Tim spread the word by running around the world.
Describing himself as “An ordinary guy, with an extraordinary goal,” he was determined to ignite the same hope and passion across the globe that motivated him to take those life-changing steps in 2004.
Not only that, but Tim set out to be the fastest person to have ever accomplished this superhuman mission – a feat that would mean he’d have to run more than 60 km a day across 434 days.
The one tragedy Tim couldn’t prepare for…
Through scorching heat waves, skin-numbing blizzards, multiple floods, a tornado and even being hit by cars, Tim persevered, but there was one ordeal he couldn’t anticipate. In May 2023 he discovered his father– his “hero”, “mentor” and “best mate” - who was diagnosed with a terminal illness, only had a short time left.
This would be the heartbreak that would put a pause on Tim’s journey, as he took himself out of the running of being the fastest person to run around the world, to be with his father and to say one last goodbye.
"It was actually the easiest decision I've ever made in my life, to be honest," Tim shared. “As soon as I landed back in Brisbane I knew that was exactly where I needed to be.”
Shortly after Tim’s return, his father passed away.
According to Tim, his father’s final words to him, “No matter what happens, get back out there and finish this damned run,” were a motivational force for him to lace up and carry on. Having cut the North American stretch short to return to his family, Tim set out to rejoin his support crew in the United States to complete the rest of his journey.
Carrying the loss of a parent burdened his thoughts, but with time and perseverance, he found a rhythm despite his grief.
“Leaving my mum and my family behind was really tough, but Dad really wanted me to get this run done, so here I am. Mentally it’s friggin’ hard, though. For now, I’m just cruising and trying to get back into it,” said Tim.
The focus of his run had shifted - from his initial goal to be the fastest person to run around the world, to “putting one foot in front of the other”. Gradually through the struggle, Tim built up his daily mileage and reignited his passion. He recommitted fully to the journey, honouring his father in every stride.
“Run for those who can’t”
Even with self-discovery a key part of the “remarkable” experience, Tim wasn’t just running for himself. He wanted to make a genuine difference in the lives touched by his journey – inspiring the world to move.
“Losing my father has been a profound moment in this journey and I’m even more motivated to run for those who can’t and support causes that make a meaningful impact, such as the three charities we’re raising funds for,” he shared.
Tim is so much more than an ultramarathoner. He is an everyday Aussie hero to his chosen charities – Inspiring Brighter Futures, Wings For Life and Lung Foundation Australia.
Inspiring Brighter Futures
Inspiring Brighter Futures is close to Tim’s heart, with their mission to uplift disadvantaged people in Australian communities with accessible support and wellbeing mentoring programs.
They value continuous improvement in their programs and a modern approach, including the ‘Onwards & Upward’ program to help those in need build genuine life skills and self-confidence, from goal-setting, to improving self-esteem.
With the compassion and patience of volunteers, the foundation helps at-risk and disadvantaged people of all ages and backgrounds, including underprivileged children, victims of domestic violence and people affected by mental health disorders. These programs act as a stepping stone to cultivate hope and achieve positive outcomes in their lives. For over 3 years, Tim himself has been an ambassador and mentor as part of the Inspiring Brighter Futures Foundation.
Donate to Inspiring Brighter Futures today.
Wings For Life
Wings For Life share their inspirational mission on their website; “Together we will find a cure for spinal cord injury”. All donations to this not-for-profit foundation goes towards life-changing research to build a better future for those affected by paraplegia and spinal cord injuries, to bring the world closer to finding a cure and effective treatments.
It isn’t just an optimistic vision of the future - Wings For Life are paving the way for positive change by funding global clinical studies and scientific research that suggests damaged nerve cells can regenerate. Their ambition is to bridge the gap between hope for recovery and real-world advancements in spinal cord research.
Donate to Wings For Life today.
Lung Foundation Australia
From 1990, Lung Foundation Australia has been devoted to supporting Australians affected by lung disease and lung cancer. They are committed to inspiring hope through research, from education and early diagnosis, to making quality care and treatment in easy reach of those who need it.
Their life-changing and life-saving work as the sole and pioneering lung health charity in Australia, has inspired Tim and his road support crew, including Liz Yates that has raised over $130,000 to promote awareness and funding for this worthwhile cause.
Donate to Lung Foundation Australia today.
A heart-warming end to “a hell of a journey”
"I liken it to the world's greatest roller coaster ride, to be honest, it's been a hell of a journey.” - Tim Franklin
On the 30th of June 2024, after running for 576 days across 23 countries and 5 continents – Tim hugged his open-armed mother, Roslyn Franklin at the finish line in Brisbane. It was the first time they’d been reunited since the tragic loss of his father, and a cherished moment Tim had been waiting for.
Looking back, the epic scope of his journey is difficult to truly represent in words. From his hometown in Brisbane, to New Zealand, United States, North America, South America, Europe, Asia and back to sunny Queensland – Tim endured injuries, unforgiving climates and encountered hundreds of inspirational faces during his global odyssey.
"I've met so many amazing people along the way while they are travelling pursuing their life goals, while I pursue mine — and with many of those, we've kept in touch, and I continue to feed off their support,” said Tim.
Alongside the power of movement and having gratitude in every step, a key takeaway of Tim’s journey is how connection with the passionate running community and an encouraging support network can be transformative.
“I’m lucky that everyone on my team thought I could do it and knew I could do it and kept pushing me because there were plenty of times where I didn’t think I was going to get through it,” Tim said.
Beyond running, Tim’s ability to turn his life around is an inspiration – with an extraordinary shift in his health and his career from former lawyer to triathlon coach.
As a triathlon coach and professional speaker, he brings his upbeat nature and unique qualifications – being one of the only eight people to run around the world and the second fastest among them – to uplift those around him. His adaptability and ability to shape a positive perspective in the face of challenges, is honest to his heart-warming Aussie attitude that he shares openly.
“The whole experience is quite humbling because the word ‘inspiring’ doesn’t really sit well with me,” Tim said. “But I get to teach people about resilience and grit and determination. And that’s a real privilege.”
No matter your starting point, Tim is evidence that it’s never too late to live the life you aspire for, if you follow your passion and have the positive mindset, perseverance and self-belief to pursue it.
Tim Franklin and Sportitude graphic designer, Annie Wheare.
Learn more about Tim’s story on his Instagram @timmyrfranklin and visit his website at Tim Runs The World.
Congratulations Tim on your extraordinary journey and thank you wholeheartedly for inspiring us with your experience. The Sportitude Team wishes you all the best for your future endeavours.
Happy running!
