By NICOLE VALICEK
Mark Maloney encouraged other to get active for fun and fitness. 102433 Picture: JOE MASTROIANNI
AS the name suggesst a fun run is, well, fun but according to the President of the Hobsons Bay Running Club Melbourne it’s also about socialising and staying active.
The club hosts a handicap five-kilometre fun run on the last Saturday of every month, with runners of all experience encouraged to enter.
Club president Mark Maloney said the fun runs are a great opportunity to stay fit and socially active, with participation in the run welcome to non-members at a small cost of $4.
He said the fun run gives everyone a chance to be successful, with slow runners getting a head start leaving the faster runner to catch up.
The Werribee resident who has participated in 94 club runs has been involved in the club for the past 10 years, the last four he has spent as president.
“The biggest thing it’s done for me is friendship. I’ve gained a lot of friends of many different ages which is a lot of fun,” he said.
“It’s really good socially, it helps keep you alive.”
The club currently has 70 members but are always looking to expand, and cater for beginners to experienced runners.
“I’m currently 54 and in the club there’s a couple of people 70 and they go right down to 30 and younger.”
The club offers three training sessions a week including a Tuesday night session at the Newport athletics track and coaching from the more experienced runners.
“Our main objective is to get your everyday people off the couch and get them fit. We’re not into making people serious athletes were more into lifestyle, making friends and getting fit.”
“Some people go from not being fit to running the marathon.”
Mark who is currently training for the 42km Melbourne Marathon in October said he enjoys his own personal challenge and helping people to achieve their individual goals.
“I really like the fact that we’re helping people get healthy.”
The next fun run will be held on Saturday 27 July. For more information visit www.hobos.org.au.
