Running for belonging: Meet the clubs that are changing lives

When Auckland runner Duncan Oswald started the Early Bird Run Crew in Hobsonville, he saw first-hand the positive impact that running could have on connection and wellbeing.

“It’s a great way for people to make friends. It’s almost like a night out with mates, but it happens in the morning. You talk about everything and anything, serious stuff and nonsense. Often, it’s the best part of your day - before you get into the daily grind.”

Inspired to help more people experience that sense of community, he launched the Big Morning Run in support of Mental Health Awareness Week – our annual campaign which aims to shine a light on positive mental health. The theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Belonging Matters’, recognising the important role a sense of belonging plays in improving wellbeing.

“I’ve always felt that good mental health should be prioritised as much as physical health. That idea is becoming more widely accepted now, which is great to see, but the support available doesn’t always reflect this. The MHF does vital work advocating for a better mental health system.”

Taking place on Friday 16 October, the Big Morning Run brings together run clubs across Aotearoa to kick off Mental Health Awareness Week with movement and connection. Whether participants run, walk or simply share a coffee afterwards, the goal is to strengthen community and support positive mental health.

We spoke to two clubs taking part this year, the Far North Run Club and OutRunnerz, to discover how the benefits of group running go far beyond the physical.

The Far North Run Club (FNRC)

Two years ago, Trey Subritzky started the Far North Run Club (FNRC) in Kaitāia, with a dream of bringing some positivity into his community. The club runs every Saturday, rain or shine, on a 5km loop track. It has been an incredible success. Since its formation, over 1,900 people have attended.

“Up here in the far north, there aren’t many chances to make new social connections outside of Friday night drinks. We deal with a lot of negative issues and influences in our communities,” Trey says. “I wanted to create something that was positive for my community. Something that was free and for all ages and levels of fitness.”

Trey says that everyone is welcome at FNRC, even if they’ve never run before. “It’s more than a run club, it’s a real community event. It’s nothing to do with how fast or fit you are. We have the full spectrum of people coming along – we have walkers and fast runners, we have kids and older people.”

Many of those who attend are on their own personal fitness journeys. Some meet people to train with or motivate them to keep going. Others are simply there for social connection and create friendships that carry over into other areas of life.

“I think that’s one of the strongest aspects of our club – that sense of belonging that we create,” he says.

“We’re a run club, but it feels more like a community club that happens to do some running! We’re moving, but people also come for the social vibe and mental health benefits. All of these things weave in together, it’s beautiful.”

There are many great stories that have come out of the club. Trey says that one man joined the club doing 5km runs, then within 6 months had done a 50km ultra marathon, and now has moved up to 100km. Another attendee is a boy of just 7 years old who recently completed a half marathon.

But Trey’s favourite moments are when he sees new members experience the joy of running for the first time. “Our most memorable moments are the newbies. The ones who are feeling shy, didn’t have anyone to come with. By the end of the day, they get that buzz – they have a huge smile and this energy. They wish they’d come weeks ago!”

Trey says that running has been a powerful tool for his own wellbeing. “I started running during the Covid lockdowns, and I just fell in love with it. It’s my everything – it’s a sport I’m passionate about, it’s my mental and physical health. It ticks all the boxes for me.”

Running also helps him to feel a stronger connection to Te Ao Māori. “Māori culture is very prevalent here in the Far North, but I grew up slightly disconnected from it. I’m not fluent in Te Reo. But when I’m running our trails, I feel deeply connected to the Māori world. It gives me that sense of cultural belonging.”

Trey has a message for anyone who is considering joining a local run club, but feeling nervous. “Look up your local club or a park run. Just take that first step! It’s really cool when you’re moving with people together. It’s a special feeling – a special energy.”

OutRunnerz

Another club participating in this year’s Big Morning Run is OutRunnerz, an Auckland-based running and walking club for LGBTQ+ people and allies. Ken Ogg started OutRunnerz after his own experience with other run clubs, where he found it harder to integrate as a newcomer as the other members already knew each other.

Ken set out to create a highly inclusive run club where new members feel a sense of belonging straight away. "We give all of our new members a rundown of the format and help them to break the ice. We also invite them to post-run coffees, drinks and other social events. Our goal is to make them feel welcome from the very first day."

That emphasis on connection has clearly resonated. Ken says members love the format because it fulfils a real social need for LGBTQ+ communities, in a world where it's sometimes hard to build new relationships.

"People are craving authentic social interactions. They don't want to rely on apps to talk to each other. Joining a run club is such an accessible way to meet people and make friends."

Within the first year of starting OutRunnerz, the organisers of the Big Morning Run reached out and invited the club to join the event. Ken says it has been a great opportunity to expand their circle, connect with other local run clubs and be part of a wider running community.

The benefits extend beyond building social connections. Ken says the run club has given his own mental health a significant boost. "I've struggled with managing my mental health since I was a teenager. But the run club has been a life-changer for me."

His members tell similar stories.

"I've had multiple people pull me aside and tell me that joining OutRunnerz has changed their life," Ken says. "Some of them have come from overseas and quickly found friends in OutRunnerz. Some have lived in Auckland their whole life but never found a group they really felt they belonged with. But in our group, they feel like they can be their authentic selves."

For Ken, those experiences highlight the powerful link between connection, belonging and wellbeing. "We are social creatures. We need those interactions to keep us mentally healthy. And what better way than in the sun and getting a bit of exercise at the same time?"