With the arrival of warmer weather, the Your Local Run club based in Shellharbour has experienced a significant increase in participation.
This surge has not only motivated the local running community but has also had a positive impact on the local economy.
Darley Street Local, a popular café in Shellharbour, has reported a substantial increase in customer traffic and revenue, attributed to the influx of club members who gather at the café after their runs.
The café, located across from the public pools in Shellharbour Village, has become a hub for the running community, particularly on Wednesday mornings.
Alex Rains, a 21-year-old member of the Shellharbour Run Club, said the group has been steadily growing over the past few weeks.
She attributes this growth to the improving weather.
“People don’t want to get up when it’s cold and miserable. But when it is a beautiful day like today, it makes it all worth it,” Ms Rains said.
The warmer mornings have boosted the motivation of runners, drawing more participants eager to enjoy the early sunrise.
This routine not only fosters a sense of community but also supports local businesses.
“A massive part of the local run club is supporting local businesses,” Ms Rains said.
“We actually tag the local café on our social media page. It is really important to us to keep small local community groups and businesses alive.”
Ashlyn Stolk, a 21-year-old barista at Darley Street Local, confirmed the increase in foot traffic due to the run club.
“We have the run club come in every Wednesday morning. It’s been happening for probably like six months now. With the weather warming up, a lot more people are deciding to come out.” Ms Stolk said.
The café has welcomed the support from the running community, highlighting the importance of positive relationships between local groups and businesses.
As the weather continues to improve, both the run club and the café are anticipating more participation in the coming months.
