Many people dread the thought of going for a run, but someone who has been there and done that is Mark Maddren who is Deputy Principal at West Melton school.

“I know it’s a cliché, but the hardest thing is putting on your shoes, and then it’s just one foot after the other.  When you start it’s hard, so you need to take your time and make sure you don’t over do it.  But after a while you build up some fitness and muscle memory and it’s like riding a bike” Commented Maddren.

[Pictured:  Lynne left, Mark middle and Pauline right]

Mark started his running journey with the Ellesmere Road Runners back in 2011 and hasn’t taken a misstep since.

“Being part of a group is really motivating, and you feel like when Wednesday rolls around you need to front up or you will be letting them down” he added.

“I started with the 3km loop and then progressed to the 6km after a few months.  Then I decided I would try and run a half marathon, which was hard, but I did it and it gave me a lot of confidence”

Maddren hasn’t stopped running, he’s completed more half marathons than he can remember and a number of multisport events including the Selwyn Sports Trust’s very own Ellesmere Excavation Lake Crichton Triathlon & Duathlon Series.

“I think the most amazing thing for me is that it only takes a little bit of effort to get going, and you just need to keep going and make it a habit, and then you are away.  In all honesty, from where I was when I started from a health perspective, to where I am now, the Road Runners saved my life”

Lynne Stevens is also a regular at the Ellesmere Road Runners & Walkers and also joined in 2011 and reckons there is no better thing than running in a group.

“I always thought that running was for the elite and naturally athletic types – but what I have discovered is that so many everyday people run and have so many inspiring stories. I have also discovered the joy and immense benefits that come with running”

“The most overwhelming benefit is the friends I have made. Running, I thought was a solo sport – no team bonding in this game. However, I have been proved so wrong – and this is largely thanks to Emma and Mike Wilson who set up the original Road Runners in Leeston in 2011”

The Wilsons, who are very well known in Selwyn sporting circles, saw an opportunity to build exercise and community connection through running and walking and the Ellesmere Road Runners was formed.

“Emma, our Leeston Physio, with her own experience, enthusiasm and positivity just kept you going! Mike listened to our self-effacing ‘I’m not running fast tonight’ and other excuses – then he would patiently set us off in two-minute intervals and the collect our times as we cross the finish line, and he would follow up with congratulatory Facebook post as people achieve their PB’s and always welcoming new people”

Emma and Mike have passed the baton on to Pauline Lay, who has organised the Ellesmere group since 2016 and is doing an exceptional job. With some week-nights being attended by 60 plus runners and walkers, the organisation has become second nature to Pauline.  When asked why she has been volunteering for so long, her answer is simple:

“I get huge enjoyment out of seeing people turn up each week and achieving little goals or milestones.  From walking one lap, to running two laps, everyone comes with different abilities and what they want to get out of the course.  I think the greatest benefit is the community that has been created over the past decade and the friendships that have been made, which are lifelong”

But it’s not all about running as Jill Smith, a former West Coaster who now calls Lincoln home, can attest.  

“I’m reasonably new to the Lincoln group, and I come along to catch-up with my daughter, Emma, who runs almost every week.  It’s a great community of people who come along, and some walk and some run, but at the end of the day it’s about doing what is right for you” Commented Smith.

There are four Road Runner & Walkers groups that meet across the Selwyn region almost every week (pending weather and the odd holiday), with Ellesmere being the first being established in 2011.   This was followed by Lincoln, Malvern and Rolleston.  The Rolleston group took a short break over the past couple of years, but it’s back up and going and based at Foster Park.

Behind the runners and walkers are the volunteers who make sure the bibs are ready on the start line and the sweet treats are there when the runners and walkers cross the finish line.

Jayde Mayberry organises the Malvern group which snakes its way through McHugh’s Plantation over the summer and then reverts to a course around the township of Darfield during the winter months.

Andrew Gormley has been in charge of the Lincoln Road Runners & Walkers and recently changed to a winter course which is based at the Te Whāriki Reserve.

Selwyn Sport Trust General Manager, Doug McSweeney, commented that the time and commitment of Andrew, Pauline and Jayde is amazing and they really epitomise what the Trust is all about; bringing the community together to be active no matter your age or ability.

“I see on occasion in the community sport sector where there is too much talk about strategy and facilitation, which has its place, but when you see volunteers rolling up their sleeves for the good of the community you know they are good people and the outcomes are immeasurable”

Recently the Road Runners have undertaken a small logo refresh with the inclusion of ‘Walkers’ in the name and a rainbow halo to reflect that the groups are fully inclusive and welcome anyone to join at any time.

“We collect a gold coin donation each night to cover a few costs and donate the balance back to the Selwyn Sport Trust.  So all you need to do is turn up, there is no need to book, and you will be warmly welcomed” added Pauline Lay.

“The rainbow halo is a great addition to our logo, and we have our new tee-shirts available now too, so make sure you confirm your size and put in your order the next time you run” added Andrew Gormley.

The Road Runner symbol, from the cartoon series of the same name, has been used from day one as the official Road Runners & Walkers logo, so that is staying front and center for now.

“Using the road runner image is a little bit cheeky, but we haven’t received any legal action from Warner Bros yet, so no harm no fowl right” added McSweeney with a smile on his face.

Additional Information

Tuesday evenings - Lincoln Road Runners & Walkers – 6pm from Te Whāriki Main Reserve, Lincoln

Tuesday evenings - Malvern Road Runners & Walkers – 6pm Malvern Netball Club, Darfield

Wednesday evenings - Ellesmere Road Runners & Walkers – 6pm Leeston RSA, Leeston

Thursday evenings - Rolleston Road Runners & Walkers – 6pm Foster Park, Rolleston

Article added: Sunday 11 June 2023