Have you made a New Year’s Resolution to ‘run more’, but you’re wondering how to commit? Look for help. Joining a group is the perfect way to stay motivated (and actually enjoy running) and there are plenty to be found on the Goldy. Here are the best Gold Coast run clubs…
Unfit Run Club
If you think running isn’t for you, think again. Unfit Run Club combines the best part of running (finishing) with the best beverages – coffee and beer. Their mission is to not only get people moving, but also talking, collaborating and supporting local businesses in the process. They offer runs from 1km to 5km on Saturday mornings and select Thursday arvos.
Hedges Run Club
What started as a group of friends meeting up at 5am on a Wednesday morning for a run, coffee and ocean dip has evolved into one of the Gold Coast’s most popular run club – but, as they say, it’s even more than that. Hedges Run Club focuses on connection as well as mental and physical health, offering support before, during and long after a run.
Adsy’s Athletes
Run by local running champion Adam Gordon, the Adsy’s Athletes are one of the only Gold Coast run clubs that cater to all running levels. “I’ve been going for almost six years now,” says Dani. “We train a couple of times a week, and everyone is welcome – we have a lot of fun, get fitter, faster and travel to some incredible running events together.”
Gold Coast Runners Club
Meeting every Sunday morning at Burleigh’s Justin’s Park, the Gold Coast Runners Club appeals to locals and visitors, experienced and beginner runners, and runners fast and slow. It’s all about showing up and showing yourself what you can do, in one of the most beautiful running destinations in the world.
www.goldcoastrunnersclub.com.au
RK Pod
Whether you’re 18 or 80, RK Pod is right for you. Whether you’re keen to make new running friends, achieve a half-marathon or marathon distance or just have fun, regular RK Pod sessions will have you smashing your goals in no time. There are group runs as well as options for training and speed and agility improvement.
www.facebook.com.au
Gold Coast Run Co.
A true running community, Gold Coast Run Co. consists of four running groups – the primary school Whippets, the 12-18yo Junior Squad, the Main Beach/Burleigh run clubs and the High-Performance squad. They also run (pun intended) training camps and overseas tours, with a core aim to help people lead happier, healthier lives.
Parkrun
Less of a running club, parkrun is more of a worldwide sensation. The first parkrun started in London in 2004 and nowadays, it attracts more than one million runners across 21 countries. The Gold Coast was the first Aussie city to adopt the phenomenon and both parkrun (5km) and Junior parkrun (2km) have become some of the most popular running events in town.
Now, it’s just a matter of where you’ll run. If you’re looking for new running tracks on the Gold Coast, just click here.