From the streets of Adelaide to the grand stage of the World Championships, Izzi Batt-Doyle has carved a path that blends athletic excellence with emotional intelligence and a deep sense of purpose. Born into a running family and armed with a degree in psychology, Izzi brings a uniquely holistic approach to distance running.

As a co-founder of the grassroots community RunAsOne and a dedicated coach, she’s not only pushing her own physical boundaries but also helping others discover the empowerment of movement. Now in what she describes as the prime of her athletic life and after a solid 17th place in the 10000 meters in Japan, Izzi continues to evolve — embracing the marathon, inspiring a new generation, and staying true to the voice within.

In this conversation, she opens up about her connection to family, the role of mental resilience in elite sport, and how partnering with a brand like ASICS has shaped her journey — both on and off the track.

You were born and raised in Adelaide, in a family that guided you into running. What does it mean to you to be the legacy of your family’s culture and to represent it in events like this World Championship?

“It means a lot. Both of my parents were runners when I was growing up, so being able to reach the international level and represent Australia at events like the World Championships and the Olympic Games feels incredibly meaningful. I know it means just as much to my family as it does to me. There’s definitely a strong sense of national pride — and family pride — in what I do.”

You hold a degree in psychology. How much does your academic background help you with your mental approach, and at the same time, how complex is the mind of a long-distance runner?

“Having that foundation in psychology has been incredibly helpful. As ASICS says, “sound mind, sound body” — and that really captures what long-distance running is about. If you can’t master your mind, it’s very hard to master your body. They have to work in sync, especially in the longer distances. In the marathon, for example, the mental side is just as important as the physical. You have to stay mentally strong through fatigue, self-doubt, and pain. That’s why mindset is everything. It’s not just helpful — it’s essential.”

You’re the co-founder of a running community, RunAsOne, and also a coach. What role do community-building and knowledge-sharing play in your personal approach to running?

“For me, running is everything. It’s my whole life. I feel very lucky that I can use my experiences and knowledge to help other runners — even if they’re not competing at the same level. Whether someone is running a 5K at their local park, doing their first marathon, or trying to break a personal best, I love being part of their journey. Building that community has also supported me. I try to inspire and motivate others, but they inspire and motivate me in return. That mutual exchange — between coach and runner, between people who love the sport — is incredibly powerful.”

After the 10,000 meters final, you’ve said you celebrate turning 30 in a positive light. You’re in the prime of your athletic maturity — how would you describe your current relationship with running? And how did you experience the World Championships?

“Right now, I feel like I’m at my best — physically and mentally. I’m excited for what’s ahead. Even though I’m still running a variety of distances, my focus is gradually shifting more toward the marathon, and I truly believe my best years are still to come — maybe even into my 40s! Running the 10,000 meters at the World Championships was a fantastic opportunity to tap into my speed and compete on the track again, and it felt great. But I’m also really excited to embrace the marathon more fully and see where that path takes me.”

And finally, how is your connection with a brand like ASICS influencing your athletic journey — but also your personal and professional one?

“It’s been huge. Running has always been my passion — my hobby since I was 8 or 9 years old. But in 2021, everything changed. When I qualified for the Olympics and ASICS came on board to support me, running became my career. I feel incredibly lucky that I get to call my passion my job. That’s possible because of the results I’ve worked hard for — but also because ASICS believed in me and supported me. That support has allowed me to grow into the athlete I am today. What I love most is that ASICS aligns with how I see the sport. It’s not just about physical performance — it’s about mental well-being, about enjoying the process. That’s something I truly believe in, and I’m proud to represent a brand that values that balance.”