It's just before 6pm on a warm weekday summer evening in Hobart.
At the southern end of North Hobart's dining strip, a throng of people converge at a restaurant's outdoor dining space for knock-offs – but not the usual kind.
This cacophony of people, interspersed with the barking of dogs, is created by 100 or so members of the Knockoffs Run Club (KORC) and their four-legged friends.
Andy Goyen, the creator of this community, stands on top of a raised garden bed and introduces himself, explaining the evening's route.
"OK, tonight's run is the Domain run … through the underpass, onto the Brooker [Highway], up to the Aquatic Centre … 20 minutes out and 20 minutes back, then we'll come back here for a drink and draw some prizes."
Andy, a nurse at the Royal Hobart Hospital, leads a group of serious runners, social joggers and people who just enjoy walking at the back to the first set of traffic lights.
The huge line of people behind him is a testament to how popular the club has become.
"Our first run was in October 2020. We had around eight people from the hospital, and that initial eight people has grown into what you can see here, which is upwards of 80, 90 sometimes 100 like-minded people who get out and run and enjoy being social," he said.
Today, KORC boasts over 500 members, many of who turn up religiously each Thursday evening.
So how did it become so popular?
Renee Moody and her husband Joe Sorrentino have been running with the group from the early days.
"I was in North Hobart and saw a group of runners run past and thought, 'That looks interesting', because Joe and I did a lot of running, so we joined it," she said.
"I think on the first run, there were only six of us, but over the months, it just grew and grew."
The increase in numbers necessitated Andy getting some assistance from Renee, Joe and many other volunteers.
For Renee, one key decision by the group led to an explosion in the run's popularity.
"In winter 2021, we introduced a group called the 'sweepers group'," she said.
"The concept was we had two back runners, making people feel comfortable at the back and showing them the route, making sure they felt part of the community, and that's where it really started to grow and evolve."
Canvassing the group as they catch up and share a well-earned beverage post-run, the community vibe is definitively what brings people here each week.
"There's simply no judgement; everyone runs at their own pace," regular James Potter said.
"I've brought along more mates, and it's always an opportunity to bump into someone you know; it just makes for a good Thursday night."
Ellie Crowder has been running with the group since its inception.
"It's just so nice to have a ready-made group of people you can catch up with, do a bit of exercise and have a drink; you couldn't ask for more."
Mental health benefits as important as physical
Meg Scoyler, who had never run before joining Knockoffs in December 2021, found out about the club through social media.
The community of friends she has made has had a profound impact.
"When I first started, I was going through a bit of a tough time, and that was one of the things that kept me coming back was the impact of running on your mental health," she said.
"Not just physical health but it's just good stress relief.
"Even making the social connections, it has such an impact on your well-being; I couldn't go without it now."
Meg said running with the group had given her a shot of confidence.
"From my first run in December, I completed my first half marathon in September 2022 and then the Point to Pinnacle [Australia's hardest half marathon] a couple of months later."
She said it was incredible to finish that run.
"The last few kilometres were so tough; there were so many people cheering, including a big crew from Knockoffs; it was a great atmosphere," she said.
"Standing at the summit with that group, looking out over Hobart and knowing you'd run up it was the most incredible feeling."
Meg's experience wholly encapsulates the culture that permeates KORC.
"I just found it so welcoming and inclusive the first time that I wanted to come back a second time," she said.
"The more I came, the more people I got to know, and now I have a fairly close group of friends that come and I always look forward to seeing them."
It's clear that the simple formula that Andy and his band of helpful organisers adhere to each Thursday is the reason behind the group's huge following.
"We run 20 minutes out, 20 minutes back," he said.
"Everyone starts at the same time and finishes roughly at the same time. No-one is out there running by themselves when people are back here.
"Then we all meet back here and say g'day, and this is the part where you make connections and build friendships."
Andy will soon move interstate for work and to be closer to loved ones, but he is secure in knowing what has been created will continue on strongly without him.
He is immensely proud of what he and the Knockoffs family have created.
"When I see two people connect and meet for the first time and build a friendship out of that, that's what makes me the proudest," he said.
"Once you come to Knockoffs, you're part of our family, and you know you'll come along and see a familiar face and that's a great thing for Hobart to have."
