Diamond Creek Runners

19/01/2026

It’s just over one week until our Start to Run program kicks off for 2026!!

Many of our members create lasting friendships through our start to run program. Darren completed the program in 2018 and is our current club president.

Q. Why did you decide to do STR?

For a couple of reasons: firstly to improve my general fitness and prove to myself that being in my 50’s didn’t mean I couldn’t run. Secondly as a social outlet because a group of my friends were also signed up to do the program.

Q2. What did you get out of it?

Much improved health and fitness and, because I joined DCR towards the end of the program, an even bigger group of friends who I continue to run with 8 years later.

Q3. What has motivated you to keep running since STR?

The opportunity to keep fit and healthy in a friendly social environment. I personally am not a big fan of running by myself so the inclusive club environment suits me down to the ground

Q4. What has your greatest running achievement been since STR?

I completed the Melbourne Marathon with one of my running buddies in 2019, about 18 months after completing STR (photo below).

Q5. What guidance can you give to those considering joining us for STR?

Join with a group of friends or make some new ones at the beginning of the program. Having a group of friends doing the program keeps you accountable and also makes running a whole lot more fun. And remember to go for coffee after your runs!

🏃 🏃 🏃‍♀️ 🏃 🏃‍♂️

There’s still time to register.

Email [email protected] to register your interest and to be kept up to date!

12/01/2026

Sometimes our members complete our start to run program on multiple occasions before they begin to come to our club runs regularly. Perhaps there were other things going on in earlier years, and the motivation slid. So it was for our member Michelle …

Q Why did you decide to do STR?

I was looking to get back into running after a long break and a new baby, and I thought that being part of a supportive group with encouraging guidance would be my best bet. I did STR in 2022, 2023 and it finally stuck in 2024.

Q. What did you get out of STR?

I fell back in love with running! It was so great to slowly increase the time we spent running, build our confidence.. and chat to so many lovely people...(noting this was mostly during the walking periods 🙂)

Q. What has motivated you to keep running since STR?

The new colours of running shoes that keep being released! The only way I can justify the expense is to use them.. 😬
In all seriousness, it's absolutely the people that surround you at DCR. Without exception they are supportive, encouraging and inspiring - and I really look forward to seeing everyone each week. I love that DCR supports both road and trail runners, so seeing the local countryside on some trail runs has been a lot of fun.

Q. What has your greatest running achievement been since STR?

I'd say keeping on running through the miserable Melbourne winters, and the times when you are having a crappy day and just want to give up, but you don't. I’m most proud of not giving up.

Q. What guidance can you give to those considering joining us for STR?

Don't think, do! The program is so great to introduce (or reintroduce!) you to running, you'll be surrounded by amazing coaches and crew, and you'll meet lots of people who are feeling just as nervous as you may be. If you're reading this and thinking about joining up, do it - who knows where this program may lead you 🙏

07/01/2026

When Simon completed our start to run program, he enjoyed it so much that he’s been back each year to help at the sessions. This year, he’s one of our start to run coordinators!

Why did you decide to do STR?

After a couple of years of lockdowns, I wanted to get fitter and enjoy the outdoors. I had never been a runner or enjoyed endurance sports. Before STR I thought running seemed like a prolonged self-imposed torture test. However, my wife has always been a runner and enjoyed the running community so I thought maybe there was something in it.

What did you get out of it?

The STR program was easy to follow and built fitness progressively. Each week the distance and time crept up but matched the group’s improvements in fitness. There were people at all different paces and fitness levels but we always had people to run with. The best thing about STR is the group encouragement helping each other be accountable, while getting to know new people in the community.

What has motivated you to keep running since STR?

When I finished the program, the plan was to just keep doing 5k runs including Diamond Creek parkrun. But the improved fitness that came with running the DCR sessions meant the distances and pace improved. First it was the huge jump to 10k over a couple of months, then worked towards my first half in September. The big motivator was how much better I felt in myself. Running became part of my routine and something I looked forward to. Running is a great way to tune out the world and just take in the beautiful place we live.

What has your greatest running achievement been since STR?

Over the past few years I have enjoyed training for many half marathons and trail runs. My biggest achievements would be the Melbourne Marathon in 2023 and the Two Bays Trail Run 28k Dromana to Cape Schanck in 2025. Both of these were achieved with the excellent support of other DCR members also doing these events. Training as a group is much easier and enjoyable than running on your own.

What guidance can you give to those considering joining us for STR?

Just do it, keep coming to the sessions and the rest will fall into place. It’s a great program and if I can do it anyone can. The support you get from the coaches and DCR members is excellent.

05/01/2026

Over the coming three weeks, we will introduce you to some of our previous start to run graduates!

First up - Claudia! A participant in our 2024 program!

Q: Why did you decide to do STR?

A few reasons - I had recently moved near Diamond Creek and wanted to get to know the area and meet new people. I also wanted to improve my fitness and stay accountable.

Q: What did you get out of it?

Joining STR was a great way to make new friends and prove to myself that I can persist with something challenging. The run leaders are incredibly encouraging and want to share their love of running with every STR student.

Q: What has motivated you to keep running since STR?

Transitioning from STR to the main Diamond Creek Runners group was really easy. There’s always someone to run with and no one gets left behind. The whole DCR team are so excited when the STR graduates join the main group and celebrate every distance and speed win with you. As running gets easier and you notice your fitness improving, you get hooked!

Q: What has your greatest running achievement been since STR?

My first running achievement was the STR graduation when our cohort ran our first 5km. The graduation day is on the same morning as DCR’s annual club fun run, so the whole club is there to cheer you on and celebrate with you. It’s an awesome atmosphere.

Since then I’ve run 5 half marathons and just got into Melbourne marathon for 2026!

Q: What guidance can you give to those considering joining us for STR?

Sign up, you won’t look back! Everyone is so friendly and encouraging. No one is too fast or slow for the group. The run leaders make sure everyone is included and will chat to you while you run to keep you distracted and encourage you. Everyone at DCR is so generous of their time and advice - they want you to succeed and to share their love of running with you!

05/01/2026

What will 2026 bring for you? A new hobby perhaps? Some extra fitness? Community involvement and new friends? For all of these things, join us for our start to run program commencing 27 January 2026.

Our start to run program is for everyone: complete beginners, those who may be returning to running in 2026 after a break, and everyone in between!

Details: 9 weeks, held on Tuesday and Thursday nights, and Sunday mornings at Marngrook Oval. Coached by friendly and encouraging DCR coaches and members

Cost: Free!

Registration: [email protected]

22/12/2025

We’re pleased to announce that our annual Start to Run program will be on again in 2026! Come and join us!

Sessions will run on Tuesday and Thursday nights, as well as Sunday mornings, at Marngrook Oval in Diamond Creek.

The program will run for 9 weeks from Tuesday 27 January 2026 to 29 March 2026.

A great way to start the new year. To be kept up to date, register your interest: [email protected].

30/10/2025

This week’s Run for Mental Health theme is Motivation, Energy & Routine - and we’re celebrating the habits and moments that keep us moving.

Jump onto the program page for week 3 at the link below to check out:
📄 Fact sheets (including one that the morning runners will love!)
📸 Our photo-sharing activity for this coming week
🗣️ All your submissions on "what wellbeing means to me"
👉

An annual local program showcasing the benefits of running to mental health and wellbeing.

10/10/2025

10/10/2025

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, we are excited to launch our Run for Mental Health program. This free initiative is open to anyone looking to add some movement to their week, boost their mood and take positive steps for their mental wellbeing. Sign up below!

https://dcrrunformentalhealth.org/?fbclid=IwdGRjcANVcXVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHj-bClgwQC7HgPoJkpSMYHoBapp2oOS16ZPPRDxf5-eE-6pbGpQW4ZcXlO4S_aem_mii90-x1pbHmTdZey7R3uQ

An annual local program showcasing the benefits of running to mental health and wellbeing.

07/10/2025

In case you haven't heard, the Willinda Park athletics track will be undergoing a few repairs this week, between Tuesday, 7th October, and Friday, 10th October.

Members and Visitors to the track are asked to keep off the areas that are under repair. These include a section of track across lanes 3-8 on the front straight, the river end Triple Jump runway, along with a couple of other little spots around the track.

We appreciate you making adjustments to your training programs and apologise for this brief interruption to your track training schedules.

Diamond Creek Runners Diamond Valley Little Athletics Greensborough Triathlon Club

11/09/2025

💙 Big news! We’re launching Diamond Creek Runners 'Run for Mental Health' program.

🤝 A 6-week community initiative combining running, connection, and wellbeing.

🏃‍♂️ It kicks off this spring, and we’d love our local community to be a part of all the online activities!

📩 Find out more, and sign up with just your email: ⁦https://dcrrunformentalhealth.org/⁩

🙏With thanks to Australia Post for their support.

An annual local program showcasing the benefits of running to mental health and wellbeing.

06/09/2025

✨ What a night! ✨
Last night we celebrated 10 years of DCR, that’s a whole decade of running, laughing, sweating, and pretending we enjoy hill repeats. 🥳🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

A massive thank you to our running family – past and present members who joined the party, our committee, coaches, and vollies who keep this show on the road (and the snacks stocked).

And to the legends who organised last night… you deserve a medal, a massage, and maybe a week’s nap. 🙌

Here’s to the next 10 years of kms, smiles, and questionable post-run selfies.