A Drummer’s Determination: Travis Barker’s Journey from Tragedy to Triumph
Travis Barker is proving that age is just a number and that anyone can take on a challenge—especially when it comes to running.
The Blink-182 drummer recently participated in the Big 5 Sporting Goods LA 5K at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on March 15, 2025. Barker, 49, made an impressive showing, completing the race in 22 minutes and 31 seconds, finishing 95th out of over 8,000 participants. His time, which averages out to about a 7:15-per-mile pace, was highlighted in a social media post by the LA Marathon’s official account.
Barker himself shared his excitement in the comments of the Instagram post, writing, “So fun!” reflecting his enthusiasm for the event.
The run was not only a personal milestone for the drummer but also part of his growing passion for running. In fact, Barker launched his own running community, Run Travis Run, in 2024. The community was inspired by his own journey with running, which began after he survived a harrowing plane crash in 2008. The crash left him with severe burns and critically injured, with doctors telling him that he might never walk or drum again. Instead of letting the trauma define him, Barker turned to running as a way to rebuild his life and health.
“I was never athletic, I never played sports, but after the crash, I had this urge to prove everyone wrong, including myself,” Barker shared on the Run Travis Run website. What started as short walks turned into daily runs, which he says helped him find both peace and an influx of happiness with each step.
From Recovery to Motivation: How Running Changed His Life
Barker’s commitment to running was so powerful that he made it a part of his daily routine—even during his busy tour schedule. Before every show, he runs 3 miles to get himself energized and focused. The experience of running his first half-marathon in 2024 also left a lasting impression, one that motivated him to encourage others to start running, regardless of their fitness level.
“Running is a community that brings people together,” Barker wrote. “That’s why I created Run Travis Run—to help others find a similar sense of motivation and health. My goal is to inspire people to get outside, take a walk or run, and build healthy habits.”
Barker has hosted multiple Run Travis Run events across the country, including successful 5Ks in New Orleans and Queens. His wife, Kourtney Kardashian, has also joined him for some of these events, showing her support for his mission. Barker’s mantra remains simple: running should be fun, not intimidating. “I want people to feel like they can do it,” he told People magazine during one of the events. “It should be about fun, not pressure.”
Inspiring Others to Run: Barker’s Commitment to Health and Wellness
Through his runs and his community-building efforts, Travis Barker continues to inspire fans and runners of all ages to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle, proving that no matter where you start, it’s always possible to achieve your goals.