Gold Coast Marathon budgy smuggler runner Samuel Steeg raising money for Eat Up charity

Samuel Steeg hopes to turn plenty of heads when he runs the Gold Coast Marathon in just his jocks - but he has another big-hearted reason too.

Samuel Steeg hopes to not just turn heads when he runs the Gold Coast Marathon in nothing but speedos – he wants you digging into your pocket.

The 33-year-old Kiwi living in Melbourne – who will be among more than 15,000 marathoners on Sunday – is raising money for a charity that helps feed disadvantaged children at schools.

He’s teamed up with what he calls “the legends” at Eat Up Australia to promote their cause which has branches providing meals for kids in poverty across the country.

“With the cost of living where it is, families need support and I’m in a fortunate enough position to help. I’m proud to be raising funds for a cause that actually makes a difference in real kids’ lives,” Mr Steeg said.

“It takes me back to my school days in New Zealand - I saw firsthand how tough it was for kids who came to school without lunch.

“It wasn’t their fault, or their parents. People do what they can with the cards they’re dealt. We’ve got a duty to step up and help out where we can.”

Is it a bird ,is it a plane? No it's the The Budgy Runner, Samuel Steeg, hoping to get a flying start running the Gold Coast Marathon on Sunday in nothing but Speedos, while raising awareness and funds for Eat Up, supporting disadvantaged kids around Australia. Picture: Glenn Hampson

He’s hoping for plenty of support and positive reactions to his minimal clothing on the picturesque 42.2km course stretching from Southport to Miami and Paradise Point.

“Budgys are a vibe. They’re more than just swimwear - they’re about confidence, fun, and personality. You feel like a legend just putting them on.

“Put it this way: budgys are the closest thing to running in the nude and honestly, you can’t get more natural than that. The boardies days are over. Free the thighs!

“The beauty of having chicken legs is minimal chafe. If you’ve got quads for days, just lube up and you’re good to go.”

Asked if he feels exposed running in them, he said: “Absolutely, but once you get past the initial ‘what am I doing?’ moment, it starts to feel normal. People love the energy - it’s all about leaning into it.”

And it’s not just the budgys that are vibe for this long-distance runner with a heart – he’s finding the Gold Coast to his liking too.

Samuel Steeg: “Budgys are a vibe. They’re more than just swimwear - they’re about confidence, fun, and personality. You feel like a legend just putting them on.” Picture: Glenn Hampson

“The Goldy is something else - that sunrise slaps you awake and kicks you into gear early. The people are genuinely friendly, the vibes are high, and shoutout to my aunty and uncle for the free accommodation.

“The place is a fitness paradise. The sunrise, the ocean air, the constant ‘Hey mate!’ from strangers - you don’t get that in Melbourne. There’s something in the sand up here. Would I move? Like the great Justin Bieber once said - never say never. It would definitely do wonders for my budgy tanlines.”

Originally published as Gold Coast Marathon budgy smuggler runner Samuel Steeg raising money for Eat Up charity