Australian surfer to run marathon in thongs

Sam Hensen-Thompson of Perth, Australia, has never been a runner or a fan of “land sports,” but one day after he could not find a pair of running shoes for a trot along the beach path, he decided to take matters into his own hands and run in style wearing his beach thongs.

Now, after a few runs in thongs, the 24-year-old surf coach is determined to complete a marathon.

Thongs, not to be mistaken for women’s underwear, is the Australian term for flip flops or sandals. The Aussie version comprises a rubber sole held to the foot by two straps that meet between the first and second toes.

For what started as a 10K jog, Hensen-Thompson worked his way up to a respectable 1:51 “thong” half marathon last week. “The half was not easy, but it wasn’t as hard as I thought,” says Hensen-Thompson. “It took 11 kilometres to settle in, then I put the hammer down for the last 10.”

“I’m planning to do the marathon in late February, but currently sorting out logistics and where to finish,” says Hensen-Thompson.

It’s currently the middle of summer in Perth, and many of the marathons in Western Australia are during the winter season. “I want to accomplish this goal ASAP,” he says. If his marathon goes well, Hensen-Thompson is considering running 100 km in thongs.

Hensen-Thompson says the last time he ran was in high school. “I consider myself more of an ocean man,” he laughs. “I have been training for the marathon though—don’t worry.”

The goal of his run is to raise $5,000 for a specific cause very close to him: “I am raising money for Perth Children’s Hospital. As a surf coach, I deal with kids every day—the thought of making an impact on kids pulls a few of my heartstrings,” he says.

Hensen-Thompson will be sporting the Aussie thong brand Pistol Menace for his marathon. “These beauties are designed for all-terrain,” he says. “They are wider and thicker than your traditional thong, making them more durable and comfy for the long haul.”

posted Saturday January 14th
by Running Magazine