While most are still lying in bed on a Friday morning wishing it was the weekend already, the 445 Run Club are already up and have started their day.

445 Mount Maunganui is a running club that meet at the Mount Maunganui Surf Club every Friday morning at 4.45am.

“It doesn’t matter whether you walk, jog or run it’s up to you,” said team leader Mia Cameron.

“We go 20 minutes one way and 20 minutes back along Marine Parade and Ocean Beach Road.

“We start together, and we finish together. This club is for everyone, you don’t have to be a runner”.

Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club. Photo / Supplied

“Each week, rain, hail or shine, we have had 40-60 people come along to start their day in the absolute best way.

“With more and more people hearing about us and joining each week, we can’t wait for those warmer summer mornings to arrive to tempt even more to set those alarms to find comfort in discomfort and enjoy the Friday feel good vibes.

“It’s all about stepping outside your comfort zone and pushing for that 1% each week.

Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club keep themselves busy in the mornings. Photo / Supplied

“That could look different for everybody. It could just be setting that 4am alarm for the first time, talking to someone new, running a little further or faster than the previous week.”

The run is followed by optional coffee, ocean swims, gratitude and chats.

Cameron said it’s a safe space to be you, get uncomfortable, meet like-minded people and push yourself to do something new.

Mount Maunganui local club member Donna Officer said she doesn’t consider herself a runner, yet.

“However, I go to 445 Run Club as it is all about moving at your own pace and pushing yourself that 1% each week, however that looks,” said Officer.

Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club are active with fitness. Photo /Supplied

“I go every second week and setting that alarm clock for 4.01am is tough, but worth it.

“Every week I try and say hi to someone different and also if I see someone new, I will make an effort as I know that’s what helped me when I went for the first time.

“I walk and jog for the 40 minutes and also catch up with friends at the same time who are supportive of my journey.

“The gratitude circle at the end was hard for me at first but now I enjoy hearing what people are grateful for.

“I highly recommend giving it a go.”

Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club gets fit in all weather. Photo / Supplied

The Mount Maunganui 445 Club was launched in May this year, there are other 445 Run Clubs around New Zealand, Australia, the United States and England, all starting in Auckland in 2021.

“Rachel Klinkenberg and I originally reached out to the Auckland team leader Travis Ovalsen to see if they would be keen on setting up a 445 community here.

“As a runner myself, I knew it would be a great opportunity to bring like-minded people together and create something really special here.

“Originally founded by Lucy Scarborough up in Auckland in 2021 where her and Travis cultivated an epic community.

“Supporting all runners no matter what level and encouraging everyone to achieve their full potential while fostering a culture of inclusivity, perseverance and achievement.”

Mount Maunganui 445 Run Club get active when they meet. Photo /Supplied.

Cameron said the Auckland 445 Club has around 100-200 people showing up each week.

“Lucy is now based over in Australia and 445 locations are spreading.”

Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Dunedin, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Brisbane, London and Manhattan are just a few of many locations with 445 Clubs.

To find out more about 445 Club visit their website www.445runclub.com or visit their Instagram at www.instagram.com/445_run_club/