As the Sydney Marathon steps into the spotlight as the newest Abbott World Marathon Major, there’s one celebrity we’d like to see on the start line: Australian zookeeper and television personality Robert Irwin. Following in the footsteps of his late father, Steve Irwin–better known as the Crocodile Hunter–Robert regularly shares his wildlife encounters online. He’s an avid runner, even crossing paths with animals on his runs or while working out. So why haven’t we seen him race yet?
@robertirwinMy South Africa running buddy 🦒♬ original sound – Robert Irwin
“You just never know who’s going to join you for the afternoon run–today, it’s this big bloke,” Robert said in a TikTok video filmed in the middle of a run, turning the camera to capture a giraffe, looming just a few metres away. “Definitely no mistaking where we are–welcome to South Africa.” He captioned the post, “My South Africa running buddy.”
On another run around the Australia Zoo, Robert encountered a radiated tortoise. “Little ironic running into this bloke while you’re on a run–these little guys aren’t in too much of a hurry,” he said, pulling the reptile into his lap.
@robertirwinCatching up with our tortoises on my evening run, I love these guys 🐢☺️♬ original sound – Robert Irwin
The Buderim, Australia, native has made it clear that discovering snakes, spiders or bats hiding in shoes or behind dumbbells mid-workout is just another day for him. He often takes a video to educate his fans about the critter before picking it up to remove it from harm’s way.
Since the release of his recent Bonds underwear campaign, Robert has been the talk of the town. Fans are swarming around the new photos, videos and behind-the-scene clips from the shoot, many surprised to learn he’s only 21. But despite his young age, with nearly 15 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, the wildlife photographer and conservationist has undeniable celebrity status.
It’s a year of firsts for the Sydney Marathon–why not for Robert Irwin too? He’s got the fitness, the energy and the charisma. We say he (and any animal friends who can keep up) should make the 10-hour drive south to Sydney for August’s race.
