Uniting Passion for Running and Community : The Story of Running To Coffee
RUNNING TO
Coffee
PRETORIA EDITION
Hey , fellow runners and enthusiasts ! My name is Amish Kooverjee , and I ’ m thrilled to share the journey of Running To Coffee . What began as a simple desire to blend my love for running with social interaction has blossomed into a vibrant community that celebrates health , friendship , and of course , coffee .
From Solo Runs to Social Club
At 23 , fresh from studying sports science and now pursuing my honours in biokinetics , I felt a void after stepping away from team sports . Seeking a way to fill that gap , I invited friends to join me for runs , followed by coffee , in Pretoria . Little did I know , this casual gathering would evolve into something much larger .
With my partner Paul Scrutton , we co-founded the Running To Coffee group , catering to young individuals eager to lace up and hit the pavement . Our group caters to everyone , from casual joggers to seasoned marathoners , providing a platform to challenge oneself while forging connections with like-minded souls .
Growing Together , One Stride at a Time
What started as a modest weekly gathering has burgeoned into Pretoria ’ s largest social running club . Thanks to the power of social media – particularly our WhatsApp group and Instagram page – our reach extended beyond Pretoria ’ s borders , attracting sponsors and runners from other cities .
Our diverse membership , comprising mostly young working adults and students aged 19 to 27 , reflects the inclusive spirit of our club . We convene three times a week – Wednesday evenings , Friday mornings , and Sundays – offering ample opportunities for our members to bond over their shared love for running .
More Than Just a Run
The club is not only about running , but also about creating a safe and enjoyable community . Running in a group is especially appealing , as it offers safety and fun , which is essential in our country . We have a simple setup where people just show up and run , supported by a team of different individuals who help us through their hobbies – for example , one of the guys that runs with us , Liam Burgess , takes photos just for fun , and they come out incredibly . This has helped us grow significantly through social media .
I started this club to change the perception of running and make it cool , particularly among people of our age group . It ’ s about balancing social life with physical activity and offering a fun alternative to nights out all the time . It ’ s also just such a great and different way to meet people .
Our activities extend beyond mere running ; they include music , themed runs , and occasional social events . Through creative initiatives and the magic of social media , we ’ re redefining running as a cool , social endeavour that strikes the perfect balance between fitness and fun .
RUN CREWS
Uniting Passion for Running and Community : The Story of Running To Coffee
Embracing Community , Embracing Growth
For me , Running To Coffee transcends a mere hobby ; it ’ s a passion project that has enriched my life and those of our members . It ’ s a testament to the power of community and the willingness of individuals to leverage their talents for collective growth . I therefore urge young people to step out of their comfort zones and channel their skills into meaningful pursuits .
Join Us on the Run
If you ’ re intrigued by our story and eager to lace up your running shoes , we invite you to connect with us on social media : @ Running _ To _ Coffee . Simply follow the link in our bio to join our WhatsApp community , where we share details of upcoming runs and events .
Our weekly schedule typically includes :
• Wednesday : 17:00 from LC Sports Campus or Hoka
• Friday : 06:00 ( 10km ) and 06:30 ( 5km ) from JOYN Coffee
Additional run days are announced via our WhatsApp Community Chat , ensuring you never miss an opportunity to join us on the road .
Embrace the Journey
In closing , Running To Coffee is more than just a running club ; it ’ s a lifestyle that celebrates health , friendship , and the simple pleasure of a post-run coffee . We invite you to join us on this journey , where every stride brings us closer together . See you on the road !
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