A new social running group is making waves in Clermont, giving locals another way to keep active and connected. The Clermont Run Club is fast becoming a regular Thursday afternoon fixture at Pioneer Park, bringing together families, shift workers and anyone keen to get moving.
Founder Kristie said the idea for the club grew out of her own experience after moving to Clermont.
“The idea actually came from a friend who had started a run club where we lived on the Coast. After joining we soon found our community and made a new place feel like home. Once we moved to Clermont we thought starting a run club here would keep us motivated and meet some like-minded people. We also have two young children, so it is a sport that we are all able to do together.”
Clermont already has a strong mix of team sports, but Kristie felt there was space for something different.
“Clermont is so great for team sports options. We had noticed a few people running at different times around Clermont and thought it would be a great family-friendly option for movement. Running alone all the time can also sometimes become a bit lonely, so a social run is a great way to mix up the week.”
The club’s first Thursday night at the Lagoon drew more people than expected.
“It was a bigger turnout than expected and we had a great group of people. It was really nice to meet some new faces.”
For a mining town built on shift work, Kristie said the appeal of running is its simplicity and encourages beginners and families to join in.
“Running in general is a great way to get moving as it can be done anytime, anywhere with no equipment, so it can be tailored to anyone’s schedule.
“We have spoken to a lot of people who say they have wanted to start running but hadn’t found the right time or had been putting it off. There is no benchmark to just get started.”
And while fitness is a big driver, Kristie sees something deeper taking shape.
“We just hope that people feel welcome and it’s a healthy way to be social and meet people who may have similar interests.”
The warm reception from locals has already made an impact and the club has also been encouraged by local business.
“Clermont has been really welcoming to us. A big thank you to Dale at BlakRok Boxing Clermont, for the encouragement to give the run club a go!
“We hope to give back ourselves to the town in some way.”
Kristie’s advice for anyone sitting on the fence is simple.
“Give it a go! There is no pressure or expectations. It’s just about creating a positive habit of showing up and getting moving in whatever way that might be for the individual. No one else is taking any notice of how fast or slow someone else is moving.”
Looking ahead, she hopes the group can keep building momentum.
“We just want to keep showing up each week and seeing some regular (and new) faces and keeping some consistency.
“We would like to start some interval training sessions in the new year for anyone wanting to push themselves a bit more and there are a lot of great running events in QLD so it would be great to have a group supporting each other at some nearby events such as Rocky River Run & Mackay Marina Run.”
Anyone wanting to join just needs to show up at the Wombat Statue at Pioneer Park, 5:25pm for a 5:30pm start on Thursday afternoons. Distances are tailored to suit everyone.
