RUN4: Auckland's Welcoming Space for Beginner Runners
In October 2019, a new kind of running group was founded in Auckland. Diego, the principal founder and captain, and Marcela, a founder and pacer, created RUN4 to address a common struggle: the difficulty of starting a regular exercise routine. They wanted to build a community to help people overcome excuses, the fear of failure, or the feeling of not fitting in. By establishing Auckland's first running group exclusively for beginners, they created a vital and welcoming space for people to begin their running journey.
No Competition, Just Goals
The philosophy of RUN4 is to provide a pressure-free and non-judgmental environment. They are not a race team or a competitive club; they are a group of people dedicated to helping you achieve your personal fitness goals, whatever they may be. The crew believes everyone can benefit from running, and before joining, they encourage people to understand their own purpose—whether it's for health, to meet new people, or to feel better about themselves. RUN4 is there to help you complete that purpose.
The culture of RUN4 is built around their supportive and consistent weekly run. This is where the magic happens, and where the community comes together to motivate one another. Their weekly meetups serve as the anchor of the community, providing a safe and friendly space for their over 50 members to grow in confidence and build lasting friendships. In addition to their regular runs, they also offer special training sessions for occasional races.
RUN4 extends a warm and open invitation to anyone in Auckland interested in running, regardless of their fitness level or experience. They meet every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. in Victoria Park. To ensure everyone is comfortable, they offer 5km and 7km distance options with a range of beginner-friendly paces, including 5:30, 6:30, and 7:30 minutes per kilometer. If you're ready to take the first step toward a healthier lifestyle, lace up your shoes and hit the pavement with RUN4.
The Auckland Running Scene
RUN4 offers a vital entry point into Auckland's vibrant running community. The city is also home to a variety of other running crews and clubs that cater to different levels and interests, from social groups to more competitive teams. This diverse ecosystem ensures that as runners progress, they can continue to find a community that supports their evolving goals and aspirations.
The city of Auckland is an ideal destination for runners. Known as the "City of Sails," New Zealand's largest city is defined by its beautiful beaches, stunning parks, and scenic trails. Its temperate climate allows for year-round running without extreme temperatures, making it an ideal location for outdoor exercise.
Auckland offers a plethora of stunning routes to suit every runner's preference. For a beautiful beach run, the golden sand of Mission Bay is a popular choice. The paths along the Waitemata Harbour provide breathtaking waterfront views. For a green escape, Cornwall Park, built on a volcanic cone, offers beautiful trails, while the rugged Waitakere Ranges provide a more challenging trail running experience. The city's premier racing event is the Auckland Marathon, held in October, which famously takes runners over the iconic Harbour Bridge. Another massive and beloved event is the Round the Bays fun run, one of the largest in the world.
