I came back to running in 2010 after years away from it. A 7km fun run around the bays. Nothing heroic. But it reminded me of something I'd forgotten – that running is as much about the people you share it with as the kilometres you cover.

Wellington has incredible trails, coastline, and hills – right on the doorstep of a capital city. But when I started exploring beyond the waterfront, I realised there was no single place that connected runners to routes, clubs, coaches, and each other. The community existed. It just wasn't visible.

So in 2016, we built Run Wellington. Not a running club – a resource. A place where someone new to the city (or new to running) could find a crew, discover a trail, or connect with a coach. A place that celebrated what makes Wellington one of the best running cities in the world.

Along the way, it became about more than running. We partnered with organisations doing real work in our community – Trails Wellington maintaining the tracks we love, Predator Free Wellington protecting the bush we run through, Wellington City Mission supporting people who need it most. Running gave us a reason to show up. The community gave us a reason to keep going.

Ten years on, the mission hasn't changed. Connect runners. Celebrate the city. Give back where we can.

– CK (Chandima Kulathilake), Co-founder

Empowering sustainable economic development of the region. Strengthening local community organisations through partnerships.

At Run Wellington, we lace up our shoes with purpose. Our mission and goal are an active and healthy community that enjoys our outdoors.

Community Impact: We believe that running isn't just about personal records; it's about collective progress. Through our activities, we raise awareness of the work these local organisations do:

• Wellington City Mission

  We support and raise funds for the Wellington City Mission, who offers assistance with food, housing, financial mentoring, social work support, and advocacy. You can contribute directly via the donations page.

• Trails Wellington

  Our love for running extends to all recreation users in Wellington. We're passionate about preserving Wellington's trails, parks, and green spaces. We collectively work toward maintaining and enhancing these natural treasures, ensuring they remain accessible to all. Donate directly to Trails Wellington.

• Predator Free Wellington (PFW)

  Predator Free Wellington is an ambitious conservation project aiming to make Wellington the world's first predator-free capital city. This project is a collective effort involving thousands of Wellingtonians, local businesses, schools, and community groups. When you are out and about on the Wellington trail network you will notice an abundance of bird song as a direct result of the impact of the project.

We foster a supportive community where everyone can thrive. Our simple mission is to encourage physical fitness, mental well-being, and social connections through running and related recreational activities in Wellington.