On the run: Geelong Runners founder Joe Rios with Ethiopian running champion Haile Gebrselassie.
By John Van Klaveren
A NEW club is forming in Geelong, with Joe Rios extending an official invitation to join.
Joe and wife Carol will this month launch Geelong Runners, a social club with the slogan ‘Because running is for everyone’.
Joe said the initiative aimed to get more people out running while providing a friendly social forum for others already on the move.
New to Geelong, the couple realised that joining a club could be intimidating to novices, with clubs sometimes placing an emphasis on performance, which could deter beginners and average runners.
Joe said Geelong Runners would offer an alternative.
“We’ll always maintain a core culture of being a socially-oriented club that welcomes beginners.
“As the club grows, we may introduce a more formal organisational structure.
“Based on the demographics and profile of Geelong and its people, we believe Geelong Runners can become one of the biggest running clubs in the world.”
Joe said he hoped Geelong Runners could help boost health and well-being in the region.
“That’s why we’ll be welcoming, encouraging and motivating for people who want to start running.”
Joe said he also wanted to provide a friendly social forum that made running more fun.
“Running doesn’t have to be serious, ultra-competitive or expensive. For instance, it’s okay for a runner to walk when tired and it’s okay to run in a group without racing.
“This keeps more runners active in the sport and often running becomes a lifestyle rather than just an isolated activity.”
Joe is a living example of the type of runner the club hopes to attract.
“I’m not a coach, just an average runner who started running at 40 years of age and has since run more than 30 marathons and ultra-marathons.
“It’s a very rewarding activity, physically and psychologically, and I want to motivate as many people as possible to share in the paradoxical joys of running.
“If I can do it, the average person can. Running – the simplest sport possible – is also the most rewarding there is.”
Joe said informal social runs began 5.30pm Wednesdays and 9am Saturdays at Eastern Park’s barbecue area.
The five-kilometre runs along Geelong waterfront’s were free of charge.
Joe said anyone interested in joining the club could phone him on 0468 326 752 or email joe@geelongrunners.com.
More information is available at www.geelongrunners.com and on Facebook, he said.
