PHOTO CREDIT: Teun Prompers & Riley Wolff

Born in Colac and raised in Bendigo, Andy Buchanan has carved out a reputation as one of Australia’s premier long-distance runners. With running quite literally in his blood - both of his parents completed all six of the world’s major marathons - Buchanan’s path to elite competition seemed almost inevitable. Under the steady mentorship of coach Scott Westcott since 2014, he has built a career defined by discipline, resilience, and steady progression.

 

Buchanan burst onto the national scene with back-to-back Australian Cross Country Championship wins in 2017 and 2018, joining an exclusive group of athletes to achieve such a feat. He made his marathon debut in Hamburg in 2022, clocking an impressive 2:12:23 - then the 25th-fastest time ever by an Australian. Just months later, he proudly donned the green and gold at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, placing 7th in a stacked international field.

 

But his most defining moment came in December 2024, when he shattered the Australian marathon record in Valencia with a blistering 2:06:22. That achievement followed his Olympic debut in Paris in 2024, capping off a remarkable rise from regional promise to global presence. Andy Buchanan is not just running fast - he’s running into history.

 

We caught up with Andy to understand a little more about how Bendigo shaped who he is, why he chooses Bendigo to live and train and his vision for the emerging running community. 

 

Made by Bendigo, Making a Mark on It

Andy has always seen Bendigo as more than just a place to live - it’s home, identity, and inspiration all wrapped into one. While his career has taken him to international competitions and podiums around the world, it's Bendigo's community, character, and quiet strength that keep him grounded and coming back.

 

“I really like being able to have an impact on people,” Andy explains. “If you're in the city, you're just another face in the crowd. But in Bendigo, you can really make a difference.”

For Andy, it’s about more than just convenience or familiarity. Bendigo offers a balance of lifestyle and connection that has allowed him to thrive, not just as an athlete, but as a mentor, business owner, and community leader. The town still holds the rhythm of a place where people know your name, where a chat at the shops turns into a conversation about training, and where generations of athletes pass each other on trails and at Saturday meets.

 

“It’s not glitz and glamour here, and I love that. It’s real. It's a community. There’s space to be yourself, to work hard, and to still feel part of something bigger. That small-town ethic has helped me stay grounded no matter what stage I’m on.”

 

Andy's presence in Bendigo isn’t passive - he’s deeply embedded in the fabric of the city’s sporting life. From weekend races with local clubs to post-run catch-ups over coffee, he sees staying local as a way to lead from the front.

 

“Staying here gives me the chance to connect with people in a real way. Whether it’s chatting with juniors after a local meet or helping someone find the right shoe at Verve, I know I can have a meaningful impact right where I am.”

 

 

Roots in the Athletic Community

Andy’s earliest memories of running aren’t exactly of personal ambition or high-level performance - they’re of family Saturdays at the Bendigo University Athletics Club, where he often resisted running altogether.

 

“I used to drag my feet. I didn’t know I was good at running. I was the youngest sibling, and Mum told me, ‘If you want to eat afternoon tea, you have to run.’ So I did the 1K, then the 3K, and then longer distances.”

 

What started as a negotiation over cake turned into a lifelong passion. “I remember starting to get close to my Dad’s times. As a kid, you think your dad’s the best at everything, so that was a big deal.”

 

He also recalls being outpaced by the Selwood brothers - Joel, in particular - who would often show up and dominate the club races. “If they were there, I knew I wasn’t getting the fastest time ribbon!” he laughs.

 

Those childhood afternoons, filled with running and conversation, left an imprint. “You meet people from all walks of life. I think it helped shape who I became - not just as a runner, but as a person.”

 

 

Trails and Tribes

The landscape itself has played a defining role in shaping Andy’s love of distance running. Each trail, hill, and bush track carries a memory, a moment of solitude, or a shared stride with someone from the community. “One Tree Hill is my number one,” Andy says without hesitation. “I grew up just down the road, and it’s still the place I go when I want to reconnect. Whether I’m running alone or with others, there’s this feeling of being at home.”

 

One Tree Hill offers more than just terrain - it provides solitude and space to think. The Box-Ironbark forest that winds through its trails is quintessentially Bendigo: rugged, resilient, and quietly beautiful. “I can run there for an hour and not see anyone. It’s a reset button for me.” 

 

Beyond One Tree Hill, Andy’s love of Bendigo’s running routes continues with Lake Weeroona, especially for speed and tempo sessions. “It’s great for controlled efforts. There’s usually a bit of buzz there too - families, other runners, people walking their dogs. It’s a good change of pace from the bush.” Then there’s “Dead Centre”, a tough, undulating 16-kilometre loop through Spring Gully and Mandurang, named for the hall that marks Victoria’s geographic centre. “There’s nothing flat on that loop,” he says, grinning. “It’s rocky, varied, and exactly what I love about running in Bendigo - challenging terrain and beautiful surroundings. Those trails raised me,” he says. “Now I get to share them. And that’s pretty special.”

 

He also speaks highly of a lesser-known stretch near Huntly, a flat loop skirting the footy ovals. “When I need consistency, something flatter with good footing, that’s the go-to. It’s quiet, smooth, and you can just lock into a rhythm.”

 

 

A Vision for the Running Community

Andy Buchanan has often referenced the “Steve Monaghetti effect” in Ballarat - a single, iconic athlete whose success and visibility helped inspire a generation and turn a regional city into a national running powerhouse. It’s a legacy Andy deeply respects - and one he hopes to help create in Bendigo.

 

“Ballarat and Bendigo are really similar,” Andy says. “They’ve got the same kind of terrain, similar population, and the same opportunities. But for years, Ballarat was known for its runners, and Bendigo was known for cycling. I always thought, why can’t we have both?”

 

Andy’s vision is rooted in visibility and impact - he wants young people in Bendigo to grow up seeing running as a real and exciting path. “I’d love for kids here to be watching the Olympics or the World Champs and say, ‘I want to run like that. I want to represent Australia.’”

 

And signs of progress are already showing. “The running community here is definitely growing,” he notes. “There’s more depth, more juniors coming through, more women involved, and a stronger sense of connection overall. It's been building strongly in recent years.”

 

Andy’s not just dreaming - he’s doing. And in doing so, he’s helping reshape what’s possible for runners in regional Victoria.

 

 

Verve Running: A Home for Runners

One of Andy’s proudest contributions to that vision is Verve Running - a dedicated running store he cofounded in Bendigo to serve runners of all levels.

 

“I just love that runners at all levels have a place to come in and chat about running,” he says. “It’s such a great vibe. It is something I am really proud of.” Verve isn’t just a shop - it’s a hub. With expert advice, group runs, gear tailored to athletes, and a genuine community spirit, it represents everything Andy values about the sport: connection, growth, and shared passion. 

 

Learn more about Verve Running: www.ververunning. com.au/