Local Group Leading A Running Revolution

Many VERY early commuters in the Eatons Hill may have noticed a surge in the amount of runners pounding the pavement over the past year. No, this is no zombie apocalypse, and there is nothing to run from, besides the harsh reality of dawnbreak alarms. This mob belong to local running group ‘Run With Rob’(RWR) and they have seen exponential growth in members recently.

Now, for many, getting up at 4am to exert your body to its limits might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but this cluey bunch are on to something. For one, running early on is way cooler and less strain on the bod, two, getting your exercise out of the way for the day and loading yourself with those happy endorphins or catching that ‘runners high’ as they call it is a great way to get the day started.

Mind you, this is no ordinary running group. For a start, their morning dashes aren’t purely for the benefit of each runner’s fitness, but rather to help those in need along with creating a supportive community. At the forefront of the group’s values is helping the community, whether that be by donating to charities, forging friendships with one another to form a supportive network, or achieving personal and group running goals. This group runs for a reason and is open for community members just getting into running to the more experienced runner. Plus, they are excited to now introduce a Ferny Hills morning group AND afternoon sessions at Warner Lakes, so if getting up at dawn break isn’t your vibe, join the group in the afternoon sunshine. The group was founded back in 2014 by revered local and a notoriously talented Ultra Marathon Runner Rob Hopkinson, who runs marathons to support charities that tug on his heart. Last year, his choice was ‘Small Steps 4 Hannah’—a foundation that seeks to end cycles of domestic violence and be the guiding light for those who need the confidence to act. Now Rob is an official ambassador for this charity, amongst others his group raises money for. Speaking to Rob, he is quite humble about the inception of the RWR group.

‘I wanted to inspire and support our RWR community to be the best versions of themselves so that together we can make a difference by supporting our preferred charities. We now have donated over $90 000 to local charities,’ Rob told Echo News. But we don’t think the extent of what Rob has created has dawned on him. The running group has helped changed the lives of its members in so many ways other than in the health sector. For proud member Renee, it has helped her find her path: ‘After having kids I felt lost—I needed something that was just for me—and didn’t include mass amounts of food and alcohol! Run With Rob helps with every aspect of my life—health, fitness, friendship, mental and emotional stability. I found what’s been missing in my life.’

Another member, Bridgette, explains that, ‘Run With Rob has changed my life by pushing me out of my comfort zone with my fitness but also by providing a network of friends. Everyone who joins the group has the same ethos. For example, if a family member is ill, we will arrange a care package. If a dog is lost, we will go and help find it. If someone wants a running partner at 8pm, there will be a willing participant.’

Led by Rob, the group has some exciting events coming up, including Dead Cow Gully Ultra, Run Army, Noosa Running Festival, Wondai Running Festival, Moreton Bay Running Festival, Brisbane and Bargara Running Festivals, Gold Coast Marathon, Jetty 2 Jetty, and Sunshine Coast Marathon, where they hope to set the record as the biggest team for the 2nd year in a row.

What’s more, this group will be hosting a ‘Pink Night’ again this year, and are currently scoping for a venue that will hold close to 200 guests, along with decorations to make the night that extra bit special to raise money for charities are also in progress. If you are a local business and can support the fundraiser in anyway, the RWR community would love to work with you, get in touch via the contact details below.

Contact runwithrob4037@gmail.com for more information, or alternately check out the advertisement below.

Reviewing your goals for 2023? Looking for a group of inspiring, motivating and energetic individuals? Come join the Run With Rob running group at Eatons Hill, Ferny Hills or Warner. We guarantee it will be life changing and just the motivation you need to kick start 2023.

Suitable for ALL ability levels. Our no cost sessions will change your life.