A new Ōhope running group is encouraging beach residents of all ages and abilities to get moving, meet new people and explore the area, one Sunday morning at a time.

When Hamish Armstrong moved to Ōhope, he wanted to find a way to connect with people in his new community.

His answer was the Ōhope Run Club, a casual weekly gathering bringing runners together to enjoy the outdoors, with the promise of a different route and a coffee afterwards.

Inspired by a run club he joined in Auckland, Armstrong decided to bring the concept to the Eastern Bay.

“I joined one in Auckland and I just found it was a good way to stay active and meet new people,” Armstrong said.

“I wanted to connect with new people in the community after just moving down here and thought a run club would be a good idea.”

The club meets at 7am every Sunday, with the starting location changing each week to give participants the chance to explore different parts of Ōhope.

Armstrong said about half a dozen people have been attending the runs, with numbers gradually growing.

The club’s Instagram page also received a positive response when it launched, attracting about 80 followers overnight.

Armstrong said the club was intended to be relaxed and welcoming, with no expectation that participants needed to be fast runners.

People could run at their own pace or walk if they preferred, and all ages and abilities were welcome.

“I’m really not the fastest runner,” he said.

For Armstrong, the appeal of running in Ōhope goes beyond exercise.

The area offers plenty of opportunities to change the scenery, from beach runs and the harbour along Harbour Road to the Ōhope Spit and the bird track, which he hopes to incorporate into future routes.

He said he had also enjoyed meeting people with different connections to the area, including those who had lived there for years and others who had recently arrived.

The club is also keen to support local businesses, with plans to rotate visits to local cafés and coffee spots following the runs.

Armstrong said Ōhope Beach Four Square had come on board by providing ice cream vouchers for participants, adding an extra incentive for those turning up on Sunday mornings.

He is also exploring opportunities to work with local businesses on broader fitness and recovery initiatives, although those plans are still in the early stages.

For now, the focus is on establishing the club and creating an easy way for people to connect.

“It also gives me a bit of accountability to uphold my being active.”

Participation is free, and no registration is required. People can simply turn up at the advertised meeting point at 7am on Sunday.

The weekly destination is announced on Fridays through the club’s Instagram page, @ohoperunclub.

Armstrong said he hoped the group would continue to grow and attract a wider range of people from the community.

With a chance to meet new people and get fit at the same time, Armstrong encourages Ōhope residents to embrace the club’s motto and “seas the run”.