“Some groups, such as mums, find it harder to get out on a Monday night. They’ve said Saturday morning would be good, so we’ve decided to see if we can grow the club with this second club run since the club ebbs and flows in membership numbers. Long term, we are looking to build some stable numbers so we can build additional running events,” she said.

With a Saturday session, the club’s long-term goal is to gain momentum to hold a parkrun event. “We want to get more people coming to the second club run on Saturday, to give them a chance to enjoy a social run. If that’s successful, then we’ll look to do a parkrun and other events,” Henshaw said.

Fellow committee member David Ault agrees. “Grants may be possible to help purchase goods to conduct a parkrun. I have chatted to Shaun Haylan, tourism manager at Yass Valley Council, and I’m keen to have further discussions,” he said.

Membership numbers at the moment are around 150 people. However, it is continuous participation that is difficult for the club. “People’s lives change, circumstances change. And we understand that. It’s just those people we aim to get to come back again and again,” Henshaw said.

There is a core group of about 10 who regularly show up; however, the club aims to go bigger. “The more people we can encourage to have a lovely walk or run at this time of the day, the better. And on a Saturday, we’re hoping to cater to a different demographic,” Henshaw said.

The first Saturday Yass Runners and Walkers session begins on March 4 at 8am. The club’s usual distance on Monday evenings is 5km. However, David Ault said all speeds and distances are welcome and the club has no strict policy.

“Come along and test your speed or just have a casual walk around the river—great way to meet like minded people, have some fun and work on your fitness all in one,” Ault said. More information at the Yass Runners and Walkers’ Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/yassrunners.