Geelong Runners Club: An Inclusive Community on Wadawurrung Land

In February 2019, two friends, Tristan and Leigh, started the Geelong Runners Club for locals of Geelong and the Bellarine Peninsula. Their idea was simple: to bring runners of all abilities together in a non-competitive atmosphere, to meet a few times a week, and to just hit the roads, tracks, and trails to enjoy the pure pleasure of running. What they created is a thriving social club that welcomes everyone, from beginners and casual runners to seasoned athletes and elites.

The core belief of Geelong Runners Club is to provide a supportive, non-competitive environment where runners can connect with like-minded people. The club is all about the joy of running, not profit; it is run entirely by volunteers, and membership is completely free. In a respectful and meaningful gesture, G/RC also acknowledges and pays respect to the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners of the land where they gather and run, recognizing the land's history and its people.

The culture of G/RC centers on regular, enjoyable, and inclusive social runs. The group meets for a run on **Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.** at the Eastern Beach Carpark on the Geelong Waterfront. They also come together on **Saturdays at 8:00 a.m.** to participate in the Balyang Sanctuary Parkrun. These runs aim to foster connections and build a sense of community, helping runners get to know each other, share their love of running, and explore the best routes around the city.

Geelong Runners Club warmly invites all local runners, regardless of experience. By joining their runs, you can discover some of Geelong’s best routes and become part of a friendly, supportive community. All events are free, and everyone is encouraged to contribute ideas and help shape the club’s activities.

### The Geelong Running Scene

G/RC is a cornerstone of Geelong’s running community, a city with scenic, diverse routes ideal for runners. Located on Victoria’s coast, Geelong boasts a passionate group of athletes. Key local events include the **Geelong Half Marathon** and **Run Geelong**. The area also hosts well-known races like the **Bellarine Rail Trail Run** and the famous **Great Ocean Road Running Festival**, which draw participants from around the world.

Geelong is a beautiful coastal city in Victoria, Australia, serving as a gateway to the iconic Great Ocean Road. From my perspective in Cape Town, the thought of its beautiful seaside scenery is captivating. One popular route is a 3km stretch along the **Waterfront**, featuring views of piers, marinas, and scenic parks. For nature lovers, the **Balyang Sanctuary** offers a picturesque trail around wetlands and a lake, while the **Barwon River** provides a lovely route through the city center. For a real challenge, nearby **You Yangs Regional Park** offers rugged trails and breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.