1. Firstly, introduce yourself; who you are, what you do and who you run with/for?

My name is Hunter Rubino, I am an 800m/1500m athlete that runs under Mark Hipworth of the Hippo Athletic. I have been running under him for the past 5 years since moving to Melbourne from Adelaide and credit a lot to him especially over the last 18 months through both lockdowns and my slew of injuries. Currently I work here at UTA as the resident track athlete as well as some High-Performance work for the Carlton Football Club.

2. How long have you been running and how/when did you get your start?

I have been running ever since I was a little tacker honestly, along with both footy and cycling. I credit my start to my old man who can still punch out a very decent 2:40-2:45 marathon in his 50’s. Running for me started as a form of fitness for footy until I found I had a knack for it where it became my sole focus in high school. Sport has surrounded my entire life through my family so I’m very lucky that getting out the door has been a regular routine for me for many years.

3. Where do you live? Can you tell us a few things that you like/ don’t like about running in your area?

Currently I'm living in Camberwell with a few mates I met through my studies. I love the trail systems around my area, theres are so many K’s I can fill that are either on gravel or softer paths and my paper mache pins certainly thank me for it. It is a little hilly around my place which can be frustrating sometimes but is always a good strength builder. The best part is that is super close to my main training partners and coach so I’m very lucky to have them always close by.

4. What has been your go-to running route within your area and why?

I have a few go to running routes around Melbourne depending on where I’m running but try to keep it as consistent as possible. Around my area it definitely the Gardiners creek trail loop, usually loop is about 30mins (route 1) but it can turn into a great 90min long run with the majority being gravel so its perfect. When I’m back home its on the foreshore of Glenelg beaches with the old man, always pristine there (route 2).

5. If you could pick one road or trail to run anywhere in the world, where would it be and is it somewhere you have run before?

This is a tough one for me to be honest… As a long-standing track runner, I would have to say around Pre’s Trail/Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Unfortunately, not somewhere I have been yet but it is certainly a place engrained in history that I aim to get to in the near future.

6. Music on the run? If so, who has been your go to artist and/or playlist?

I don’t usually listen to music on the run, I find it’s an important skill to have to be able to be within your own company and thoughts especially when the K’s get tough. On the occasions I do listen to music I have a very eclectic taste ranging from house to country to 80’s classics and everything in between a bit of a mixed bag really.

7. Are you currently training for anything in particular?

For me this winter is all about consistency and getting ready for the summer track season. Over the past 18 months I have battled with multiple stress fractures but am in a good spot health wise and hope to return to the AV Milers series races to snag a national’s  qualifier and then also Stawell Gift 800m and 1600m over the easter weekend in 2023. Maybe a sneaky road 10km at the Melbourne Marathon weekend if the boss’ lets me ;)