Q&A: Cross country coach Kelly Smith discusses qualifying for the Sydney Marathon
By Khalil Dukes
Knightly News Reporter
Photos courtesy of Kelly Smith
Long before the starting gun fires and the crowds gather in Sydney, Central Penn College cross country coach Kelly Smith is already hard at work behind the scenes, recently earning a coveted spot in the Sydney Marathon and giving her the chance to compete on one of the sport’s biggest international stages.
Between balancing motherhood, coaching, recovery, and everyday responsibilities, Smith continues to approach each day with the same determination that has shaped her running career for years. The Knightly News recently caught up with her to discuss the opportunity ahead in this Q & A.
Khalil Dukes: What inspired you to take on the marathon distance again?
Smith: I grew up around running. It was part of the fabric of my childhood. My parents were champion runners in the late 1970s and 1980s, so some of my earliest memories are of standing at race finish lines waiting for my mom. I probably knew that a marathon was 26.2 miles before I even learned my ABCs.
I ran my first marathon as a junior in college, but I’ll be honest, I approached it all wrong. I trained in basketball shoes, fueled myself with pizza and Miller Lite, and ran in the peak summer heat. It was a tough, humbling experience, and by the end of it, I swore I’d never run again.
And for about 10 years, I didn’t.
I found my way back to running in a much more lighthearted way. My husband’s company sponsored a local Turkey Trot 5K, and he signed us up. That race reminded me that running could actually be fun. From there, I started training for half marathons, and eventually, I felt ready to take on the marathon distance again, this time with intention and discipline.
Crossing that finish line was completely different. I felt strong, prepared and genuinely proud. It was like rediscovering something that had always been part of me.
That experience sparked a bigger goal: To run the World Marathon Majors. I was accepted into Berlin in 2021, followed by Tokyo and Chicago, and suddenly running became a way to see the world.
One of the most meaningful milestones in that journey was the London Marathon in 2024. I completed it while 20 weeks pregnant with my son, and crossing that finish line with him is something I’ll carry with me forever. It wasn’t about time or performance—it was about resilience, perspective, and what really matters.
I was also selected for Sydney and New York City in 2024, but chose to defer as I prioritized recovery postpartum to avoid risking injury. That decision reinforced an important lesson for me about balance and long-term thinking. This year, I’m picking that journey back up.
Fun fact: I don’t actually love the marathon distance. I haven’t quite mastered it yet. In recent years, I’ve really come to enjoy the 5K. There’s something about pushing hard for a shorter period of time that plays more naturally to my strengths as a runner.
But I keep coming back to the marathon because it’s difficult. It challenges me in ways that nothing else does, both mentally and physically. It’s a puzzle I haven’t solved yet, and that’s what keeps me curious and motivated.
I know there’s a way for me to put together the right race one day, and until then, I’m committed to the process. I show up, I prepare, and I give it everything I have on race day. My last marathon was a full send, and it didn’t go the way I hoped, but that’s part of racing.
For me, it’s about continuing to show up, learn, and grow. I’m a mother now, and I’m a different runner than I used to be, but in many ways, I’m stronger. I have more perspective, more discipline, and a deeper sense of purpose behind why I run. Yes, I’m older, but I fully believe my best running is still ahead of me. I trust the work I’m putting in, and I’m excited about what’s still to come. Bring on Sydney!
Dukes: What does training look like for you now?
Smith: To be honest, this marathon training cycle looks very different from my previous ones. I’m currently working through a disc injury in my back while also navigating postpartum recovery, so I’ve had to adjust my expectations. I know I won’t be able to log the same volume or intensity that I have in the past.
But instead of focusing on those limitations, I’ve shifted my mindset toward what I can do. I’m prioritizing physical therapy, building strength in the weight room, and being intentional about recovery so my body can heal properly. And when I do get out for runs, I’m less focused on pace and more focused on appreciating the opportunity to be outside and train for something meaningful.
Sydney may not be the “comeback race” I once imagined, but it represents something even more important. It’s a milestone in a different sense – one where my son will be there to watch me cross the finish line. That perspective has made this journey just as meaningful, if not more, and I truly can’t wait for that moment.
Dukes: What has been the most challenging part of training so far?
Smith: Time is definitely the biggest challenge. Since becoming a parent, the days feel shorter, and I’m constantly finding ways to fit training into an already full schedule.
What’s made it possible is having an incredible teammate in my husband, Brian, who supports me fully. We’ve learned how to make running fit into our lives as parents instead of competing with it. For example, some of my long runs become “destination” runs where I’ll finish at a local park where Brian and my son are waiting. It turns into family time, so I’m not sacrificing those moments. I’m building them into the process.
I also remind myself that distance running isn’t just about mileage, it’s about recovery too. Prioritizing rest with (an infant) isn’t always easy, but it’s something I’m intentional about, even if it looks different than it used to. I try to do daily yoga, stretching, or foam rolling. And it’s turned into a bit of a family activity. My son is fascinated by my massage gun and thinks it’s the best “toy” in the house. It definitely keeps things light and reminds me not to take any of it too seriously.
At the end of the day, running is meant to add to my life, not take away from it. With the right support and a flexible mindset, I’ve been able to keep that balance.
Dukes: What advice would you give someone preparing to run their first marathon?
Smith: It doesn’t matter how fast you go; what matters is that you go. Show up, stay consistent and put in the work. Talent can only take you so far; it’s consistency that drives real progress.
That means showing up on the days you don’t feel like it, running in less-than-perfect conditions, and building the habit of doing the work anyway. Progress doesn’t happen all at once. It comes from stacking small efforts over time. Set realistic milestones along the way, whether that’s running one mile without stopping or building up to 30 minutes. Those checkpoints help you stay grounded and give you something to celebrate.
It’s also important to be honest about the process, as most runs won’t feel amazing and that’s normal. But every so often, you’ll have a day where everything clicks and it feels effortless. Hold onto those moments. When motivation dips, they’re a powerful reminder of what you’re capable of.
Try to remove the pressure of pace or a specific finish time and focus instead on the experience of training. There’s real value in simply being able to move your body and commit to a goal. Over time, you’ll start to see just how much stronger—physically and mentally—you’ve become.
And when you take on something like a marathon, you’re doing something truly challenging. It requires discipline, resilience, and belief in yourself. Stay patient, trust the process, and keep showing up. Above all else have a full, unwavering belief in yourself that you can do it.
As Smith gets ready for the Sydney Marathon, she’ll have plenty of support behind her from the Central Penn community. Over the years, students and athletes have seen firsthand the work and dedication she brings not only to running but also to coaching and mentoring others. Now, she’ll have the opportunity to represent both herself and Central Penn College on an international stage. From Summerdale to the streets of Sydney, many Knights will be following along and cheering her on throughout the race.
For more information on the Sydney Marathon, you can see the official site at https://www.tcssydneymarathon.com/.
