Annabel De Jong

Home State (where you currently live): Tasmania

Social Handles: wild.anniemal (Instagram)

Sporting Accomplishments: 

• 2026: 1st place female (4th overall) and 53-minute CR, Faultline 106km (NZ)             
• 1st female (3rd overall) and 6-minute CR, Run Narawntapu 52km
• 2025: 1st place female, Northeast Rail Trail 50km           
• 4th place female, Cradle Run 80km             
• 5th place female, Blackall 100km
• 2023: 2nd place female (3rd overall), Gone Nuts 103km
• 2022: 1st place female, Bruny Ultra 64km             
• 1st place female Run Narawntapu 50km

How did you get into the sport?

I joined a marathon training clinic after moving overseas to Canada as a way to make friends, and quickly realised that I loved chasing new challenges. I did three marathons in my first year and followed up with my first ultramarathon 18-months later. Having grown up hiking, it was a natural transition into focusing on trails.

Hardest thing about your sport?

Finding the balance between what your mind wants to do, and what your body is capable of. I wish I was a bottomless pit of energy! Learning to respect the recovery process challenges my patience, but I know it's part of being a better athlete.

What does your regular training week consist of?

My weekday mileage is pretty flexible, but I always include two full-body gym sessions. On weekends, I love doing back-to-back long runs and then treating myself with a yoga session on Sunday afternoon. I focus on getting consistent vert and time on feet, but don't follow a rigid structure because I want to maintain fun in my training. I also love a lunchtime walk or ride to the coffee shop!

How do you keep motivated?

I know that I always feel better after a run - whether that's about mood, productivity at work, or sleep. If I'm really struggling, picking a different route or bribing myself with coffee afterwards usually does the trick.

Goals (Future Plans and Career Expectations)

In 2027 I'd like to run my first miler (100-miles), and I'm also really interested in multi-stage events. It would be an absolute dream to run Western States, but I'd also like to be part of their research program (I'm lucky enough to be doing a PhD on ultrarunning performance)! Long term, I hope to keep running sustainably for many years to come - and good nutrition is a key aspect of this.

Best Piece of Advice you have received?

"Aim to cross the start line, then aim to cross the finish line." This keeps me accountable in training - it can be such a precarious balance between seeking progress but not overdoing things. It also reminds me that competition isn't my metric of success; events are about the overall experience, including the connections we make and how we meet the challenges that arise.