For many, Friday mornings are synonymous with a cheeky alarm snooze and that extra five minutes of shut-eye to celebrate it's almost the weekend. But with Strava taking the title of hottest new dating app, and word spreading on the benefits of 'runner's high', more and more people are choosing to spend their last AM of the working week lacing up and hitting the footpath.
Earlier this year, three Welly locals decided their limited running experience and lack of interest in PBs shouldn't hold them back from breaking into the run club scene. And with that, Jog On was born.
Meg Marshall is one of the humble young wahine behind this collective of everyday Wellingtonians. And despite her pride of the whānau she helped create, she never saw it leading her to the Big Apple, to run the NYC Marathon with New Balance. This everyday Kiwi and her recent adventure of a lifetime, are proof that a casual Friday jog and a bit of initiative can take you a long way.
We were lucky enough to catch Meg post-marathon, to learn a little more about her journey with running, tips for staying motivated and how hitting the pavement has changed her life for the better.
Before we dive into all things NYC, can you tell us a bit about yourself and why you got into running?
I grew up in a small rural town called Hunterville, but I’m now based in Wellington, where I co-founded a jogging group called Jog On. Running has always been a part of my life to varying degrees, but in 2020, I leaned into it to manage my mental health. I have a pretty busy mind, so the clarity I get from a run is golden.
When did you decide you wanted to run a marathon?
Running a marathon has always been a dream of mine. At the start of 2024, I told my friends that this would finally be the year. Initially, I was all set to do the Queenstown marathon, and then this incredible opportunity to run with New Balance came around—and it felt like that dream really did come true.
Tell us about Jog On Run Club. Why did you start it and where is it sitting today?
Jog On started as a way for us to run with friends. We wanted to be part of the run club culture but were worried we weren’t fast enough. We figured we weren’t alone in feeling that way, so Jog On began.
We would beg our friends to come along for the first few months, managing around five people if we were lucky. Nikita, Jacqui (the other co-founders) and I decided to lean into social media, and we grew from five people to about 149 each week. We’re super proud of the community—it’s all about getting people moving, no matter what that looks like for them.
What is your must-have running essential?
My New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14’s are an absolute must-have. They’re a great all-rounder shoe and have been my go-to throughout training.
Music? Podcasts? Friends? What Are You Listening To As You Run?
Recently, my long runs have been all about Olivia Dean and Leon Bridges on repeat. These runs are also an excuse to catch up with friends. I find chatting with someone is a great way to keep my pace to where it should be.
What was running the NYC Marathon like?
People tell you how amazing it is—that it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, that the hills are harder than you think, and that the energy is electric. All of this is true, but what I wasn’t prepared for was how emotional the experience would be.
Standing at the starting line in my Jog On kit, sharing the moment with other runners, seeing my sisters cheer me on from the sidelines, and feeling the energy of the spectators—these moments and people are what made the marathon that once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The course itself was challenging, but it was an incredible way to see the city. The run was tough, but I paced well and got a result I was pleasantly surprised by. Admittedly, I may have even caught the marathon bug.
What advice would you give to someone thinking of running their first marathon?
Firstly, get good advice—talk to people with experience or know-how. You’ll get a lot of opinions when you mention you’re training for a marathon, but I found it’s best to seek quality guidance and then make it work for you.
Secondly, no matter what your race goal is, be sure to soak it all in. The buildup, the start line, and those moments when you wonder how you ended up here—you’ve got to trust the training you’ve done and try to enjoy the experience.
How did you celebrate finishing the NYC Marathon?
After crossing the finish line, all I wanted to do was see the people who knew how much this meant to me and share the moment with them. Having my sisters and the other New Balance runners and crew there made it even better. And then, of course, we all headed to the pub to celebrate with a beer or two…
For more on Meg’s NYC marathon experience and running journey, follow her Instagram here. And to keep up to date with all things Jog On, head here.
Inspired to give running a go? Get prepped to hit the pavement with New Balance and their full range here. All the kit you need to run your way, taking you from run club to race day.
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Image Credit: Tempo Journal and New Balance.