As we look back on the journey of the Marathon Run Club, it’s hard to put into words just how much this group has accomplished. What started as an ambitious idea from Tim and a chat after a social sports night, turned into something far greater—a testament to the power of community, determination, and shared purpose.
The goal was simple: to support runners of all levels in training for the Queenstown Marathon or Half Marathon. What unfolded over the past six months was nothing short of extraordinary.
For six months, we met twice a week—through frosty mornings, rainy evenings, and the occasional blazing sun, clocking in way more miles running around Mitre 10 than anyone ever should. There was a solid few weeks where it was so dark each run we still didn't know what each other looked like. Over 100 runners joined us at some point during the program, and more than 30 participants took on the marathon or half-marathon, with every single one of them crossing the finish line.
The achievements of our runners were diverse and deeply inspiring. Some arrived at the first session struggling to complete a few kilometres. Watching them grow into confident long-distance runners was a privilege. Session after session, each runner was making huge strides towards their end goals and you could see the confidence in their running becoming stronger each day.
Beyond the kms logged, the true measure of this club’s success lies in the connections it fostered. We’ve seen friendships form that will truly last a lifetime.
What stood out the most during this experience was the incredible character of the people who joined. This wasn’t just a group of runners—it was a group of genuinely kind, supportive individuals.
Each session felt like a family gathering, with people encouraging one another, celebrating each other’s progress, and cheering for every small victory along the way. Whether it was the collective excitement of a first 10K or the encouragement offered when someone struggled, the club embodied what it means to be part of a community.
For us as organisers, it was a privilege to lead such an uplifting group. Even on the tougher days, like when Fionn had to keep up his coaching duties while dealing with kidney stones, the energy and encouragement from the group made every session worthwhile.
To every runner who joined us—whether you came to one session or all of them—we want to say thank you. You were the heart of this club.
Your determination, positivity, and willingness to step outside your comfort zones made this journey unforgettable. Watching each of you achieve your goals, was nothing short of inspiring. You should be so proud of what you’ve achieved.
Huge kudos.
A special thank you to Tim for having the whole crazy idea and for all the work he does with After Laughter and the effort he puts in every day to make other peoples lives better. Your vision and passion for building community inspired this journey and made it all possible.
The Marathon Club was more than just a training program—it was a journey of self-discovery, growth, and connection. It reminded us that running isn’t just about the miles; it’s about the people you share them with.
To everyone who ran, supported, or cheered us on: thank you. This was an unforgettable chapter in Heatwave’s story, and we’re so grateful to have shared it with you.
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue fostering this sense of community through new initiatives, including our Human Kinder Project. Starting soon, this program will combine physical activity with volunteering to support local causes and individuals in need.
Although the Heatwave x After Laughter Run Club project has come to an end, its legacy lives on. The friendships, memories, and strength built over these six months will stay with us all.
Plus, you know we can’t actually stop there, run club will continue, just in a different form…..stay tuned.
Here’s to many more adventures, miles, and memories. See you out there
Love,
Alice & Fionn
xxx
Big Shout out to those who showed so much support throughout this club:
Tom Christie Media for documenting the run club rain, wind and shine!
Ozone Coffee for keeping us warm on our Thursday morning runs.
Matty Graham from Exponential Performance for teaching the whole crew about nutrition, race day and more.
Faye from Yin Yoga NZ for giving us the time and space to relax and look after our bodies.
Now Bao
Josie McGuinness