Introducing BMRST2026 Team Member Madeline Kelly

Meet Madeline Kelly – a passionate early morning runner who believes in “eating the frog first,” tackling the hard things early and setting herself up for a productive day ahead. Whether she’s fuelling with crêpes and apricot jam before a run or recovering with a chocolate Rokeby and long black coffee, Madeline brings equal parts discipline and joy to her training. A lover of the half marathon distance, she says the Melbourne Half Marathon is where “all the magic happens,” while dreams of running around Italy’s stunning Lake Varese remain high on her bucket list. Outside of running, Madeline is a talented violinist of 20 years and a devoted sourdough baker, often wondering mid-long run if she has enough flour to feed her starter, Betty! Inspired by legendary Dutch cyclist Annemiek van Vleuten’s fearless determination, Madeline approaches running with courage, curiosity, and a desire to never wonder “what if.” For her, being part of the BMRST2026 team is an absolute honoured experience.

Some fun facts about Madeline

What’s your go-to pre-run snack?

Crêpes and apricot jam

Do you prefer early morning or evening runs—and why?

I love early morning runs . I love running in the cool crisp air ! I have adopted the saying « eat the frog first « basically getting the hard stuff out of the way at the start of the day and resetting yourself up for a productive day !

★ What’s your go-to post-run snack?

Chocolaté Rokeby and a long black

★ What's your favorite race course?

Melbourne half marathon . It’s where all the magic happens

★ What is your favourite race distance?

Half marathon

★ What race distance scares you most?

No distance scares me per say . I have never run a marathon so that is currently an unknown. I would really like to tackle it soon and I will welcome that challenge when it arrives .

★ If you could run anywhere in the world, where would it be?

Lake Varase - Italy . 30km round trip , rolling hills and the most incredible scenery. The most perfect place on earth .

★ What’s the weirdest thought you’ve had on a long run?

I wonder if I have enough time and enough flour to feed my sourdough starter - Betty

★ What is one piece of gear you can’t live without?

My AirPods . My internal monologue is too strong to go without on jogging or solo long run days .

★ Pump-up song that gets you moving?

Skin - Spacey Jane . All time favourite song.

★ Who is your running hero or biggest inspiration?

My biggest inspiration is actually a Dutch Cyclist - Annemiek van Vleuten . Her determination, her courage and determination to just do whatever it takes to achieve her best and never wonder if she could do more . That courage is what I aspire to have , to never be left wondering « what if » . The most memorable race I remember watching was the 2019 world championships . She attacked and rode solo to the victory with 105km to go . The trust she put into her body , the confidence she had to commit and fight for 105km alone - my gosh what an amazing display of women’s strength.

★ What’s a non-running talent or fun fact about you?

I have played the violin for 20 years !

★ What does being a member of the BMRST2026 mean to you—in one word?

Honoured