Giant strides for Run With Rob

Robert Hopkinson’s drive to get fit and lose weight has kick-started a remarkable fundraising group in the Moreton Bay Region.

Run With Rob (RWR) has more than 250 members, from Mr Hopkinson's home suburb Eatons Hill, across our region and out to Dalby, Bundaberg and even Melbourne.

It had 149 runners – the largest group entry - at the 10^th anniversary Sunshine Coast Marathon and has, to date, raised more than $90,000 for charity.

The main beneficiary is Small Steps 4 Hannah, to which RWR has donated $40,000 towards Sue and Lloyd Clarke’s campaign to halt family and domestic violence.

Their daughter Hannah and children Aaliyah, Laianah and Trey were killed in an horrific attack by her estranged husband. Mr Hopkinson is an ambassador for the campaign.

Mr Hopkinson started running to be a role model for his family and to raise awareness of his chosen charities, Mr Hopkinson ran marathons in costumes while pushing his children in a pram.

Believing “every stride makes a difference”, he set up Run With Rob to provide a “safe and inclusive running group to foster relationships with local charities”.

RWR has seen huge growth in the last 12 months, ranging from experienced runners to those who can now run 5kms and newcomers who have found the right "environment".

“Run With Rob caters for all abilities to ensure everyone’s aspirations are met with respect and a personal guarantee that nobody is left behind,” Mr Hopkinson said.

“The rich diversity of the groups’ runners is core to the success, but running is secondary to the key priority of creating an environment where everyone gets to be the best version of themselves.”

RWR members have a full race calendar with South-East Queensland trail events, park runs, summer triathlons, marathons and ultra-distance races lined-up.

“You name it and we can guarantee one of members will be participating in it!” Mr Hopkinson said.

A walking section has also been introduced for those not wishing to run or building up to the twice weekly running sessions.

RWR is open to any levels of fitness and age. Business sponsors are also welcome with the offer of having logos on RWR shirts.

For more on Run With Rob click here or email [email protected]