The "running boom" that has infiltrated Newcastle has created record interest in race events in a remarkable recovery for an industry struck hard by the pandemic.
Sunday's Fernleigh 15 event attracted record entries and double the number of competitors than the 2023 iteration, including Paris Olympian and national 5000 metre record holder Rose Davies, children as young as 4-years-old and even some runners dressed as bananas.
The event included a 1500 metre race for kids aged 4-11 on the new Fernleigh Track extension at Belmont.
Organiser Paul Humphreys of H Events credits the success with effective marketing on social media, where run clubs have also built huge interest, as well as a surge of interest in running generally.
"We had over 1500 register and about 1360 race, so that's double the finishers of last year," he said.
"There's definitely been a running boom. We connect with a lot of these run clubs.
"I think it stems from COVID. People realise their freedoms and the ability to get out and do these sort of events is not always a given."
Interest has already built for the next Newcastle Marathon, with 500 people already entered despite it being another six months away.
It's a stark turnaround from the pandemic years, when restrictions were placed on large gatherings, which combined with the cost of logistics made for a tough time organising running events.
Those logistics costs still exist - Sunday's Fernleigh 15 crossed four roads and involved hiring the grassed finishing area among many other expenses. But strong sign-up numbers help keep the entry fees affordable.
"It is a pain having to pay for some things, but the reality is you have got to pay them," he said.
"They're costs that you've got to pass on to customers but the more customers you've got the less you have to do that.
"Plenty of people have gotten out of the industry because it was just getting too hard, so we're definitely encouraged by the current trend."
The surge in free run clubs have helped bridge the gap for beginners to race events.
Never Run Club, founded by Elton Shibble and Lachie Miller, had about 35 regulars take part in the Fernleigh 15 and even more are looking towards next year's Hill to Harbour and Newcastle Marathon and Half-marathon.
"Starting out running is quite frankly daunting and difficult, there's no way to change that," the founders said in a joint response.
"But if someone can start in a welcoming, free and nonchalant environment, then maybe they'll just full in love with running the same way we did."
The pair said there was "something special about a race day in particular".
"H Events do an awesome job of creating a diverse range of events in Newcastle," Shibble and Miller said.
"Even though running is an individual effort, run clubs create a team and community atmosphere."
"Similar to a footy team that bands together for match day, there's a sense of pride in being able to represent your club and being a part of something larger."
