Like many, I’ve seen the influx of run club content upon my social media feed and became curious about its increasing popularity. So I went to check it out.

Not being a runner myself, I was initially worried about stepping into this ‘cult’, which ran every week at 6:30am on a Friday, the Kekka Run Club.

Running from Sandringham beach, I had hoped it would provide a beautiful morning sunrise, but as I woke up at an ungodly hour to gloomy skies, the apprehension set in.

Attending alone, I was worried about finding friends to talk to and run with, but once arriving at the meeting spot, I was greeted with hugs and nothing but inclusivity from the Kekka organisers and its members.

Even before beginning the run, I could see the community that has been created by this club.

People welcomed each other with big smiles, everyone loved the dog who attended, and as a new member I could see the special bonds that have formed from running and the attendance of Kekka. 

As the sun rose, we began our warmup and I couldn’t help but wonder what drivers thought as they passed 60 of us doing star jumps in a circle. Again, the founders of Kekka ensured that everyone was up and active before we all took on a 30-minute route. 

Occurring for more than 80 weeks now, the Kekka Run Club was formed as a new way to socialise with friends outside of the pub. 

Liam Hayes, one of its four founders, was motivated to shift the culture of his friendship group and increase the local running community.

“We have a lot of excitement involved, we get a lot of people energetic, which they maybe don’t have in other aspects of their life if they don’t play competitive sport,” Hayes said. 

“I think the run club is a great way to have that comraderie and sense of community.”

Normally a 5-kilometre run leaves me wrecked, but with conversations flowing and the sense of community behind me, I actually found myself enjoying it. 

As we ran, the sun rose and produced the most beautiful sunrise, and looking out at the pink-painted sky above the beach, I was grateful I persevered through the cold. 

Kekka Run Club has created such an inclusive community, which is full of high energy and motivation from all, creating a positive aspect of your weekly routine.

Meg Spin, a frequent member of the club, said she wanted to expand her friendships and believes Kekka’s success comes from inclusivity. 

“They really just made it a run club that’s accessible for every person. You don’t have to be really really fast or, even if you walk, everyone’s included,” she said.

This was my first run club I had attended, and it is safe to say that I will back. 

Seeing all the hype online, I never thought I would fall victim to the craze, but now I’m ready to tie up my shoelaces again.