BROWSE OUR HISTORY
Chasing sunny days and sandy shores, Tara and Hannah both returned to the land of Oz in late 2021 after more than half a decade each of living in London. Both working in PR. Both with backgrounds in women’s health. But it wasn’t until they were both scouring for a run club in Coogee in early 2022 that their paths crossed and passions ignited.
With a dream of running along our epic eastern coastline with a bunch of local legends, the Coogee Run Club was born and since May 2022 it has gone from strength to strength! Now boasting four runs a week, with new faces popping up at each and every sesh, this awesome group of humans has grown into an incredible community.
Because it’s not just a run club. It’s a way of life.
– No matter your pace, no matter your speed, the Coogee Run Club is for everyone. With an out and back route and pit stops along the way, we meet up at the finish line and no one gets left behind!
– We don’t charge fees, we don’t take registration and there’s no commitment required. Just turn up ready to run and give us your all!
– We’ll never cancel a run. Rain, hail, shine or hangover, you can always count on us to be there!
– With a beating energy and beaming smiles like no other, we bring all the enthusiasm, excitement and ultimate vibes to create the most welcoming, friendly and open run club out there!
So what are you waiting for? Join us for a run and become part of our crew.
SOAK UP OUR VALUES
INCLUSIVITY: All faces all paces all welcome always & no runner left behind
COMMUNITY: A sense of belonging & a home away from home with friends that feel like family
KINDNESS: Integrity, respect & authenticity for all
GRIT: The courage & perseverance to set goals & take on challenges with the Positive Peer Pressure™️ & support of the Coogee fam
FUN: Total joy, infectious positivity, massive energy & even greater FOMO
MEET OUR EPIC TEAM
TARA MEAKINS, CO-FOUNDER
With more energy than an Energiser Bunny, Tara is the ultimate cheerleader. A woo girl who never sleeps, she lives and breathes the Coogee Run Club and will do just about anything for Instagram. With a passion for linking up locals, sparking new opportunities and supporting our members, the sky is the limit for this bushy-tailed runner from WA.
HANNAH GANDEVIA, CO-FOUNDER
Runner, mother, wife and business owner, this local whirlwind drove the original idea for a new social run club in Sydney’s east. Hannah has a long standing passion for igniting new communities and bringing people together in ways that spark joy.
STEVE KANE, SPEED SESH SKIPPER & WEB GUY
As an Ironman and triathlon athlete, Stevo is the perfect captain for our Speed Sesh on Wednesdays. With a wealth of fitness expertise and experience under his trainers, this Blue Mountains boy turned Clovelly coach not only brings the know-how to get you running at your best but he truly cares about your personal performance.
SIMONA KOURTESIS, RUN LEAD
Our legendary lead and greatest European export is part of the 5AM Club. Those inspiring few who get up before the birds and embrace life to the fullest, every second of the day. As one of the Coogee Run Club’s OGs, Simi brings a dedication, commitment and reliability like no other, and is an absolute pillar of support in our running community.
BENJ HURN, RUN LEAD & MEME LORD
With a huge grin on his chops and penchant for building communities, Ben is a mighty Coogee Run Club leader. You won’t find him without his infectious laugh and CAN DO attitude as he gets the crew hustling along our coast. Ben’s also known to let his humour lose with a crafty graphic or 10, earning him the title of Meme Lord.
CHRISTINA COX, RUN LEAD & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Christina is a double edged weapon – so nifty she SPEEDS up those Coogee hills, but the only catch? Just try catching her. This leggy athlete is an absolute riot who never fails to bring the party vibes with her. If you’re picking teams, you’d want her as your captain.
DAVE STEWART, RUN & TRAIL LEAD
As close as you can get to the only real grown up of the group, Dave is the biggest kid at heart but an expert in his field. A total pro on the mic, he’s got years of experience commenting trail races and just generally being an all round awesome bloke. You won’t miss him on pub night, he’s always down for a beer and a chat!
LISA MEARS, RUN LEAD
This Run Lead is a literal ray of sunshine and brings all the joy, all the time. With enough enthusiasm to encourage the whole gang up a Coogee hill, Lisa is super supportive, wonderfully welcoming and the biggest hype girl you’ll ever meet. How to spot her in a crowd? She’ll be the one with a giant smile on her face!
JESSE SIMON [better known as Simon], RUN LEAD, SPEED SESH DUO & PARKRUN AMBASSADOR
The best thing to ever come out of the US, this American expat slash Aussie citizen is run obsessed to put it mildly and there’s no stopping him! Dedicated to the club cause, impressively hardworking and unwaveringly supportive, Simon is an absolute asset to the team and there’s no job that he won’t throw himself in to 110%!
ALEC NETHERY, RUN LEAD
Adventure is this guy’s middle name whether it’s running along our coastline, traveling around the world or being ready at all times to take off on a weekend camping trip. Alec is that friendly and welcoming face you want running alongside you, cracking jokes and distracting you from the actual kilometres whilst pushing you out of your comfort zone!
JAKE BROWN [aka OMJ], RUN LEAD
Tempt this one with a challenge and he’ll be on board quicker than lightening! With a thirst for chasing goals and exceeding boundaries, Jake isn’t just an inspo, he’s an infectious joy be around! Bringing all the energy and sparkling spirit of the Coogee Run Club, Jake will be there with you 110 percent – cheering you on!
ALEX MOSS, RUN LEAD
As one of the Coogee Run Club’s infamous British expats, Alex has quickly become a seasoned Aussie – chasing blue skies, ocean dips and kilometres with a dedication we can only admire! An expert in rounding up the troops and keeping the gang left, Alex is a born leader who’s found his new home with us.
ELLA CLARK, RUN & TRAIL LEAD
We’re collecting expats like Pokémon around here and we LOVE IT! With a passion for pushing herself and appetite for ultras, this Englishwoman isn’t phased by a long run Sunday! Friendly, bubbly and downright delightful, Ella is an incredible addition to our team of legends!
JAKE BULLMAN (aka JJ), RUN LEAD
With his cheeky humour, classic one liners and Aussie banter to boot, this larrikin from Sydney’s north west is a true blue bundle of laughs. He’s also one of the friendliest and kindest team players who we are so proud to call a Coogee Run Club Run Lead!
BEN MONTET [that’s Dr Space Ben to you], RUN LEAD
Otherwise known as Dr Space Ben, this astronomer and Run Lead is out of this world with his witty jokes, passion for supporting one another and driving the Coogee Rub Club forward as a legendary community. Whether its goals or good vibes, Ben is always shooting for the stars!
TEGAN O’CONNOR, RUN LEAD
Our glitter girlie who brings all the vibes all the time, no matter what the week brings – rain, hail, shine or hangover! Tegan constantly has the biggest smile on her face and is always ready to break out into a mid-run boogie!
LIZ FOAT, RUN LEAD
This Welsh ray of sunshine, with hair so big it holds secrets, is proof that what tries to knock you down only makes you stronger. After a rough year, this tough cookie has triumphantly returned to running and we couldn’t be more thrilled to have her and her shiny locks back in our flock. With the biggest heart and kindest soul, we’ll forgive Liz for living in the other bubble (Bondi) because she visits us so much.
BEN THOMAS, RUN LEAD
He may be from Melbourne but don’t hold that against Ben who’s become one of our most dedicated and supportive runners, always ready to lend a helping hand – and a streak of competitiveness among his cohorts. With a drive to excel and passion for running, BT is an attribute to the club and has always got time for a chat en course.
NÓIRÍN GOBL-NI CHASAIDE, RUN LEAD
We’re so pumped to have another Irish export in County Coogee, and this one comes with all the skills of a talented physio! Plus she’s one of the kindest warm and fuzzy souls you’ll ever meet! With a beaming smile and glass half full attitude, Nóirín is the happy-go-lucky runner who’ll bring sunshine wherever the route takes you.
PETER FOTOPOULOS, RUN LEAD
A consistent Tuesday nighter and speed demon, who casually races up those Coogee hills while holding up a conversation, Peter’s dedication has led him to constantly smash goals and take on new challenges. With a sense of adventure for trail runs and enthusiasm for making everyone feel welcome, Peter is an all round top bloke who we’re stoked to have on our team.
PRISCILA ZEMUNER, RUN LEAD
Running to the beat of her own drum, while defeating challenge after challenge, Priscila is a superstar performer when it comes to race action – always ready to take on a new adventure. But it’s her camaraderie and mateship as a marathon motivator, keeping fellow Coogee Clubbers on track and inspiring them to succeed, that has earnt this runner her Run Leadership.