Andrew Buchanan is gearing up for a career-defining moment at the Valencia Marathon this Sunday. With a breakout year behind him and whispers of Australian record potential, the 33-year-old Olympian stands ready to challenge himself on one of the world’s fastest courses. Whether he claims Brett Robinson’s 2:07:31 record or faces the sport’s unrelenting trials, Buchanan’s fearless approach defines his journey.
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The marathon demands strategy and resilience, and Buchanan has mastered both. “People are saying I’m in record shape, which I never expected,” he admits. “I’m just enjoying the ride. Brett breaking that barrier was a game-changer, and I think we’ll see Australian marathon times drop further—maybe to low 2:06s. Whether that’s me or someone else, it’s exciting to be part of the movement.”
This remarkable year began with a personal best of 2:08:58 at the Hamburg Marathon. Buchanan’s journey then took an unexpected turn when he stepped in for an injured Robinson to compete in the Paris Olympics. “I was literally heading into Woolies when Brett called and said, ‘I’m out, you’re in.’ By the next day, I was on a plane to Montpellier,” he recalls with a laugh. Despite limited preparation, Buchanan placed 45th, proving his mettle on the global stage.
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While his Olympic appearance seemed sudden, Buchanan insists his success stems from years of commitment. “People only see the tip of the iceberg. I’ve been training this way for a long time,” he says. A key change has been his mindset, transformed through work with a sports psychologist. “I used to overthink and underperform when it mattered most. Now, I approach races with confidence and composure.”
That shift was evident in October when Buchanan dominated the Melbourne Half Marathon, crossing the finish line in 1:01:42. The result not only turned heads but also amplified discussions about his readiness to break Robinson’s record in Valencia. Balancing 180 kilometers of weekly training with his role as a secondary school teacher, the Bendigo native remains focused on effort rather than numbers.
Buchanan also acknowledges the support of his community. “Coming from a small town, I’ve felt so much love since Paris. People tell me they’re proud of my race—it’s surreal,” he says. “After the Olympics, I wondered, how could it possibly get better? But now, I’m ready to push the limits again.”
With the Australian record and a spot at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo in sight, Buchanan’s Valencia performance could redefine his career. The marathon kicks off Sunday, December 1, at 6:15 pm AEDT, with fellow Olympian Isobel Batt-Doyle also in the field.
