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Ep 13: How Huntington’s Disease Led to an Unforgettable Sydney Marathon | Natasha Sneddon

Season 1 Episode 13 Published 6 months, 3 weeks ago
Description

Natasha Sneddon never imagined she’d be a runner... and was embarrassed to even walk her first parkrun. Yet somehow, one step at a time, she found herself racking up over 100 parkruns, training with a coach, and lining up for the Sydney Marathon in honour of her late grandfather.

Along the way, running became more than exercise. It became connection, purpose, and a way to navigate the emotional weight of having Huntington’s disease in her family. As a sleep researcher and PhD student working in this area, Natasha’s running life and academic life have begun to intertwine in powerful ways.

In this episode, Joshie and Matty sit down with Natasha to talk about family legacy, the fear and pride of fundraising for a cause, and negative splitting her first marathon despite a very specific race plan.

Follow Natashs's journey:

https://linktr.ee/njsneddon?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Check out Natasha's research (published Feb 2026):

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2026.102258

In this episode:

  • From reluctant beginner to 100 parkruns
  • How running helped overcome depression
  • Living with Huntington’s disease in the family
  • How her PhD research intersects with her running
  • Running the 2025 Sydney Marathon in honour of her grandfather
  • What purpose-driven running looks like for her future

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About Runbelievable

Runbelievable is the podcast for every runner. From your first parkrun to your 100th marathon, from walk-run intervals to dabbling in trail running, every runner has a story worth telling. Through honest conversations with runners from all walks of life, Runbelievable explores the challenges, achievements, setbacks, and experiences that connect us through running and shape who we become.

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