There is more than one way to be a runner.
| I have spent some time lately on the other side of the race sidelines. In August I very happily spent some time at races in Adelaide and Sydney cheering on the sidelines. Cow bells in hand shouting at runners to JUST KEEP GOING!!! Very much under estimating the amount of snacks needed and sunscreen required and, surprisingly, not an ounce of FOMO watching others achieve amazing things each time. In fact I loved it. There is something pretty special about watching a race when you aren’t worrying about your own pace, your watch, your fuelling, whether you went out too fast or whether you can actually feel your legs anymore. You get to just watch. Cheer. Clap. Yell at complete strangers that they look amazing. And, obviously, eat snacks – did I mention I underestimated the quantity required?? I have also spent a little time in September back in another one of my favourite places on race day, volunteering. On trails, on the road, and also in a local park cooking bacon and eggs and pancakes for the runners breakfasts -while they are on a 6day running adventure – Absolutely no FOMO with that one!!! The irony of volunteering is that sometimes you are up earlier, on your feet longer and sometimes finish more tired than if you had actually registered for the race! Sometimes the stress level can be a little higher too, particularly when you are directing runners or making sure they are getting hydrated quickly and efficiently. But the amount of fun you can have on the day can be very comparable to actually running. I have also seen the photos in the Facebook community group of some of you that volunteered at the Nike Night race – and doesn’t that look like an absolute ball – Definitely adding that one to the future event calender!And every week RMA gets tagged in parkrun pictures from you volunteering in your local communities. It is such a great reminder that being a runner isn’t always about putting one foot in front of the other yourself. We often tell friends that volunteering at events is one way to keep a connection in times where you may be rehabbing from an injury, recovering from a recent event, having a weekend when you simply aren’t feeling the running vibe or perhaps just taking a little break. You can still have the coffee. You can still talk running. You can still be surrounded by people who completely understand why getting up at stupid o’clock on a weekend morning sounds like a perfectly reasonable thing to do. And if you need reminding that there are plenty of ways to feel like a runner without actually running, here are some of my favourites: Be the loudest spectator you can possibly be Cowbells are optional but highly recommended. Find a good spot, cheer for everyone and remember that a well timed “YOU’RE LOOKING STRONG!” can be surprisingly powerful. Be the support crew Hold the water bottle. Carry the snacks. Take the jacket. Check the tracking app. Take the photos. Tell them they look great even when they very clearly don’t feel great. It’s an important job! Go to parkrun without running Walk, volunteer, tail walk, marshal, scan barcodes or simply stand around with a coffee talking nonsense with other runners. You can absolutely be part of parkrun without recording a finish time. Help a friend prepare for their race Sometimes being the person who listens to the nerves, helps choose the outfit, discusses fuelling for the 47th time and says “you’ve got this” is just as valuable as being out there yourself. Take the race photos Someone has to capture the grimaces, the smiles, the questionable running outfits and the glorious finish line moments. Just go along for the atmosphere There is something about race morning that makes you feel like a runner even if you aren’t running. The nervous energy, the music, the race bibs, the coffee queues and hundreds of people discussing toilets and gels before breakfast. It’s a very specific kind of chaos. Wear the running gear anyway There are no rules saying your running shoes, RMA gear or favourite race tops are reserved exclusively for days when you’re actually running. Wear them. You earned them. Cheer someone else across the finish line There is something incredibly lovely about watching someone you know OR even someone you don’t, achieve something they have worked really hard for. You might not have been the one running, but you were still part of the day. Being a runner isn’t just about the kilometres you put into your own legs. It’s also about the people you cheer for, the communities you belong to, the friends you support, the events you volunteer at and the moments you share with other people who understand why we get up before sunrise to go and do this crazy thing.Sometimes you’re the runner.Sometimes you’re the volunteer.Sometimes you’re the person with the cowbell.And sometimes you’re just there for the snacks.All of them count. I love reading about your adventures, seeing your photos and learning your stories, please don’t stop sharing them. Share them on the private group on facebook or remember to tag @runningmumsaustralia on Instagram so I can also share your stories to the wider RMA community. |
| Are you an September Winner? Every month we have some giveaways as part of our Member Program.I will be in touch via email to all our winners of vouchers, and physical prizes are on their way to you! CONGRATULATIONS TO THIS MONTHS WINNERS: |
 CONGRATULATIONS TO Paula Gaudy (ACT) who has won the Fisiocrem Australia Prize |
 CONGRATULATIONS TO Kylee Davie (TAS) who has won the Squirrels Nut Butter Prize |
 CONGRATULATIONS TO Jackie Brophy (QLD) who has won a $50 online voucher for Coast to Mountain Running |
 CONGRATULATIONS TO Serin Halliday (SA) who has won an item of headwear from Fractel Running |
 CONGRATULATIONS TO Anne-Marie Cassidy (VIC) who has won a limited edition 2026 members drink coaster. Perfect for striking up conversations at work about your weekend achievements. |
 CONGRATULATIONS TO Kathryn Turai (SA) who has won a 6pack of Hive Energy Gels and Gummies pack from HiveEnergy |
| Our Virtual run is back for 2026. There is still time to register for our October Virtual run and medal to mark our 13th birthday. Whether you’re in bustling Brisbane, regional WA, the heart of Melbourne, the streets of SA, the trails of NSW or anywhere in between, this event is your chance to unite with thousands of running mums across Australia and beyond. We may be separated by distance, but we’ll be connected by purpose, movement, and the RMA spirit that has carried us for more than a decade.Just like last year, register now, run in October and your medal will be sent out after you have completed your 10km.We have nearly sold 50% of the medals, so don’t leave it to the last minute to register. Grab your RMA friends and family and lace up for 10km in October. |
| Register to secure your medal Here |
| UTA is sold out – Are you running? Are you ready for UTA? Are you ready for 2027 trail running with your tribe?Have a look at our RMA Trail Running range, and just for the month of October, program members – that’s you! get an extra 10% off as a thank you. So that’s an extra 10% on top of your normal 10% discount when you are logged in. Click the link below to go straight to the RMA Trail Running Range. Trail Shopping here |
| Berlin 2027 My goodness this was popular – thank you to everyone that showed interest, thank you to those that have commited to the next stage by paying their deposits. We now wait for the final confirmation of registrations and we can officially start the journey to Berlin 2027. We have also started a secondary waitlist since submitting our request for entries, so if you think it is something you would like to do with us, shoot me an email asap, if we are lucky in securing more entries, you just might be joining us too.  |
| REGISTER YOUR INTEREST HERE |
| Planning a 2026 runcation adventure? Check out all the events listed in our 2026 event partner listings. It’s never too early to start the goal setting and training for another challenge in 2026. We can’t wait to see you succeed. Find our ever growing list of 2026 event partners HERE Would you like some help to acheive your 2026 goals? Head here to check out our 2026 RMA affiliated coaches and get in touch with us today. |
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