Project Brisbane launches to support future marathon athletes
England Athletics and Leeds Talent Hub recently welcomed athletes, coaches, and practitioners to Leeds Beckett University for the inaugural Project Brisbane camp. It marked the launch of an exciting new long-term initiative focused on the development of future championship marathon athletes.
Project Brisbane is designed to identify and support athletes with the potential to achieve success at future Commonwealth Games, European Championships, World Championships and Olympic Games. Its name comes from the focus on long-term marathon development through to Brisbane 2032 and beyond. Its underpinning principle is to complement and strengthen existing coaching environments and help athletes and coaches to explore the demands of marathon performance.
The programme brings together athletes, coaches and specialist practitioners through a series of camps and development opportunities. It will provide access to expertise in areas including physiology, psychology, strength and conditioning and long-term performance planning. The benefit of this approach means the programme will help both in short term development of endurance performance alongside the longer-term perspective if and when athletes choose to focus on the marathon.
The programme includes athletes from a range of endurance backgrounds, many of whom are expected to remain focused on track, road and cross-country competition for several years before considering progression to the marathon.
The opening camp at Leeds Beckett University's Carnegie School of Sport combined practical and educational sessions, including physiology-supported training, discussions around durability and long-term athlete development, and opportunities for athletes and coaches to engage with experienced practitioners and one another.
Speaking following the launch, Andrew Heyes, England Athletics National Off-Track Endurance Manager, said:
"Project Brisbane has been developed to support athletes and coaches over the long term and to create an environment where future championship marathon potential can be identified and support. We know that successful marathon development takes place over many years, and this programme is about supporting athletes throughout that journey, help maximise their potential, and create a squad-based environment"
A huge thank you to the practitioners that delivered on the first day, including Dr Michele Zanini, Dr Barney Wainwright, Dr Dan Snape, Dr Gareth Jowett, and the sport physiology masters students from LBU. We would also like to thank SiS (Science in Sport) for their support of the project and for providing nutrition and fuelling products to athletes attending the camp.
