Home Tim Franklin: The Aussie Who Ran Around the World

Tim Franklin: The Aussie Who Ran Around the World

Wednesday, 9th April 2025

When most people talk about going the distance, they’re thinking a marathon. Tim Franklin? He took it several steps further — 26,000 kilometres further, to be exact. That’s right — this Brisbane-born Aussie literally ran around the world, clocking the equivalent of 622 marathons in just over 550 days.

But Tim’s story isn’t just about epic mileage. It’s about transformation, grit, and proving that an ordinary person can do something truly extraordinary.

From Corporate Chaos to Global Strides

Growing up in Brisbane, Tim had a healthy, active start to life, like many Aussie kids. But as adulthood rolled in, so did the corporate grind, late nights, poor diet, and far too much partying. At his heaviest, Tim weighed 120kg and found himself facing a future that looked unhealthy and unsustainable.

The turning point came during his career in law. While working on a particularly emotional case, he came across a quote from a grieving parent: “The hardest thing a parent has to do is bury their own child.” That line hit him like a freight train. Suddenly, his health and choices weren’t just about him — they were about those who loved him. It was the spark he needed to change everything.

The First Steps — And a Big Idea

The very next day, Tim laced up and attempted a 2.2km run. It was slow, painful, and took 28 minutes. But it wasn’t about speed; it was about starting. From that moment on, he never looked back.

The seeds of his incredible world record attempt were planted in 2017. After completing a gruelling run across the Simpson Desert, Tim found himself seated on a flight home next to someone reading a book about Tom Denniss — another Australian who, in 2013, became the fastest person to circumnavigate the globe on foot. Inspired by Denniss’s story, Tim knew then and there that he needed to follow suit.

Running Around the World

What began as a dream turned into one of the most impressive endurance feats the world has seen. Tim took on the challenge of running across continents, facing all the unpredictable conditions nature could throw at him.

Across deserts, mountain ranges, and endless roads, Tim covered over 26,000km. He battled injuries, extreme weather, and mental exhaustion, but kept going — one step at a time. His global run became more than a personal challenge; it became a message of resilience, grit, and possibility.

Inspiring the World, One Step at a Time

Today, Tim Franklin’s story resonates far beyond the running community. He’s living proof that massive change starts with a single step and that the limits we face are often the ones we place on ourselves.

For Tim, it’s not about being superhuman — it’s about showing others what’s possible when you commit to something bigger than yourself. Whether you’re struggling with health, motivation, or self-doubt, Tim’s story is a reminder: anyone can rewrite their story, one foot in front of the other.

So next time you’re hesitating to start something hard, think of Tim Franklin — the man who once struggled through 2.2km, and went on to run around the world.

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