For the past three months Harvey Run Club has been picking up steam as the group hits the road each week

For the past three months a Harvey run club has been hitting the road each week, picking up steam with more and more community members jumping on board. The new social fitness initiative has been growing in popularity recently after runners Shaun and Naomi Martin took off with the initiative earlier this year. The group meets every Saturday morning at 7.30am at the Harvey soccer ground, where participants walk or run for 20 minutes before enjoying a coffee together at The Curious Cockatoo. The idea is simple but effective — building connections through movement and conversation. Since its beginning, the group has welcomed between 10 and 15 people, but the numbers have been building each week, with seasoned runners and those who just enjoy a stroll all taking part. Taking part in the group is free, which Mrs Martin said was a major part of founding the group. “We really wanted to create something inclusive, something that anyone could come along to, regardless of their fitness level or financial situation,” she said. “The focus is just as much on social connection and wellbeing as it is on exercise.” Last month, the group was invited to take part in the Harvey Heritage Festival by walking or running the Harvey Hike Trail which drew in 35 people — including walkers, runners, children, bike riders, and even a few dogs. The community can follow Harvey Run Club on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date.