Nike Melbourne Marathon

MELBOURNE, VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA — San Francisco-based Yoga instructor, endurance athlete, and activist Tony Eason has announced his commitment to run the 2025 Nike Melbourne Marathon on October 12, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. Eason will complete the 26.2-mile (42.2 km) course in honor of his late friend of 20 years, Australian Melbourne, Victoria native Andrew Mark Fort, who passed away unexpectedly on September 2, 2024.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Describing Fort as an athlete, techie, DJ, Porsche GT4 driver, and “the greatest human being I have ever known,” Eason created the tribute run as a way to process grief, channel personal healing, and celebrate his friend’s legacy.

Melbourne Marathon Strava Training Log

In preparation for the 26.2-mile course, Eason tracked his build-up metrics, route elevation profiles, and pacing milestones on Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/162708868

  • Base Conditioning & Urban Loops: Mid-distance city runs through San Francisco neighborhoods, building aerobic base and joint adaptation.
  • Embarcadero Pacing Sessions: Flat, structured tempo runs along the Embarcadero and Crissy Field, focusing on rhythm control and breath synchronization.
  • Park & Coastal Progression Runs: Extended double-digit distance runs navigating Golden Gate Park and coastal elevation shifts to test mid-race stamina.
  • Peak Long Run Simulation: Pre-taper long-distance simulation runs targeting peak mileage, fueling protocols, and mental endurance ahead of race day.

Fundraising & Global Support Campaign

To support the initiative, Eason launched an official commemorative Melbourne Marathon 2025 t-shirt. Fifty percent (50%) of all net profits from t-shirt sales will be donated directly to the MESS Foundation (Melbourne Electronic Sound Studio), honoring Fort’s passion for music and technology.

Supporters worldwide are encouraged to participate in the memorial endeavor by:

  • Wearing the Commemorative Shirt: Supporters globally can purchase and wear the shirt on race day (October 12, 2025).
  • Photo Campaign Submission: Wearing the t-shirt and submitting photos to Tony Eason to participate in a community photo initiative.
  • Supporting the Cause: Donating to help advance the work of the MESS Foundation in memory of Andrew Mark Fort.

Athletic Background & Yoga Practice

A veteran endurance athlete, Eason has completed twenty 545-mile California AIDS Ride / AIDS/LifeCycle bicycle rides from San Francisco to Los Angeles—raising over $64,000 for HIV/AIDS awareness—as well as full marathons in San Francisco, Washington, D.C. (Marine Corps Marathon), Amsterdam, and Athens.

Eason is a graduate of the Two-Year Advanced Teacher Training Program at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco and an apprentice to Senior Iyengar Teacher Janet MacLeod. He integrates over two decades of Hatha Yoga instruction into his athletic training, utilizing alignment, breath control, and mental focus to maintain physical longevity.

“When struggling with the loss of a dear friend, running 26.2 miles provides a pathway to honor their spirit while turning internal pain into purposeful action,” said Eason.

Overcoming Addiction & Personal Transformation

Central to Eason’s athletic and advocacy journey is his story of personal resilience and recovery. As featured on The Ynot Truth Podcast, Eason shares his triumph over cocaine addiction—a pivotal turning point that reshaped his life over two decades ago. Reclaiming his health through disciplined athletic training, sobriety, and Hatha Yoga, Eason’s journey serves as an inspiration for individuals navigating addiction, mental health challenges, and personal loss.

Melbourne Marathon T-shirt

Media Contact & Links

Tony Eason Yoga

Website: ynottony.com/ynot/melbourne-marathon

Strava Training Log: strava.com/athletes/162708868/training/log

Facebook Event: facebook.com/events/635437875962474

Andrew Fort Tribute Page: facebook.com/andreux.fort

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ynot-truth-podcast/id1599169939