Up and running

MEMBERS of the newly formed Heathcote Running Club will set off on their inaugural five-kilometre run tomorrow.

Runners will start with a stretch and warm-up near the toilet block beside Barrack Reserve at 8am and anyone interested is welcome to join them.

“I came up with the idea after noticing a few posts on local pages expressing an interest in a parkrun,” said organiser Nicky Walker, from At the Bar Fitness & Nutrition.

“I personally can’t offer up time each Saturday so thought creating a running group and online forum for people of similar abilities to meet up would be a good way to go about it.

“Within a few days of posting about the running club on my business page, Michelle Chapman from Heathcote Health reached out with the surveys for parkrun.”

Heathcote Health is sponsoring a Latrobe University Occupational Health student project entitled: Heathcote parkrun Pilot.

One of the students, Ben Williams, said the running club will be great for Heathcote and fit well with the proposed parkrun.

“It’s all about improving health and fitness and I am sure many people will support both ventures,” he said.

As a trainer and gym owner, Ms Walker said she enjoys the mental benefits of being active, alongside the physical fitness.

“Financially joining a gym may not be achievable for everyone so I love that running or walking is something free for people to get involved in,” she said.

“At The Bar fitness has put two teams in The O’keefe Challenge in the last two years.

“The camaraderie coming from these has been one of the best things I’ve experienced, so bringing a fraction of that on a weekly basis seems like a no brainer.

“We have a team of three at the moment… Justin loves a long-distance run and is training for a marathon, Aaron enjoys interval training with short and sharp runs…

“I am much more a runner for the mental health benefits and social aspect so a coffee afterwards with friends is what gets me out there.

“We will be heading to Fodder for coffee, post run, if anyone is keen to come and have a chat as well.”

Ms Walker said she welcomes more input, and planning committee members.

“The more community support and engagement we get the more we acknowledge how much this service is appreciated and needed,” she said.

“Whether people are interested in casual runs, training for events or using each other for accountability and motivation, there will be something for everyone.

“Getting parkrun up and going is definitely still a goal too.”

Visit Heathcote Running Club Facebook page for more information.