With a record breaking 35,000 runners hitting the streets for this weekend’s Sydney Marathon, running continues to skyrocket as a social sport around Australia and Wollongong locals are eager to get involved.
Wollongong residents have a new reason to lace up their running shoes with local athletic store Run Havoc launching a Tuesday morning run club aimed at bringing the community together one stride at a time.
The free weekly meet-up kicks off at 6:00am outside the Crown Street store, giving runners an inclusive and no pressure way to start the day.
The 6km route is mapped to suit all abilities, from beginners to seasoned runners.
Once seen as a pursuit only for the most dedicated athletes, running has now become the sport of choice for thousands of everyday Australians.
“All over the world people are finding that social aspect of running really appealing,” said Run Havoc’s store owner, Riley Kilham.
“There’s been a huge demand here in Wollongong too, it’s such a stunning place to get outside and move”.
Beyond fitness, the run club is designed to foster a sense of community, bringing together people from all corners of the community who might not otherwise meet.
“Running in general is such a healthy activity. Run clubs are such an easy way of initiating that and making the whole process of getting up and doing that exercise a lot easier because there are people to do it with.” Said Kilham.
By combining movement with community, this new club hopes the weekly meet up will spark new connections while encouraging locals to embrace the joy of running.