The Newcastle Flyers Long Run Sunday is a weekly event that takes place every Sunday at 6am from Merewether. It is considered to be the highlight of the running week for both serious runners and enthusiasts. The event not only serves as a foundation for the training program of dedicated runners but also provides an opportunity to explore new courses and socialise with fellow runners.
Each week, new leaders are chosen to select a course and set the pace. The runs always include a drink stop, and occasionally two or three. Participants who attend the event regularly may even be given the chance to lead. It's a great opportunity to challenge oneself while having fun.
Although the group has a core group of regular runners, they always welcome new participants. The Newcastle Flyers Long Run Sunday is reputed to be the friendliest running group in Newcastle, following the footsteps of other popular running groups such as the Wooters, the Five30runners, Macca's Mob, The Naked Runners, the Night Striders, and Derek Zoolander Centre for Kids Who Can't Run Good. If you're a new runner, make sure to introduce yourself to the run leader, who will ensure that you feel welcome and taken care of throughout the run.
The event concludes with a refreshing dip in the pool and a well-deserved coffee at Surfhouse. Various pace groups or trains are available for runners to join based on their preferred distance and average pace. These include the White Train covering approximately 16 km, the Blue Train covering around 20 km, the Red Train covering about 25 km, and the Light Rail covering roughly 12 km. Each train accommodates runners of similar abilities and is a great way to challenge oneself and meet like-minded individuals.
In addition to the regular Sunday long runs, the Newcastle Flyers also organise Trail Flyers Dirt-Trains once a month from October to April, leading up to the UTA (Ultra-Trail Australia). The location of each dirt-train varies each month, with courses generally set in the Newcastle region, such as Glenrock/Awabakal, or in the nearby Heaton State Forest and Watagan National Park. These trail runs cover distances ranging from 20 km to 30 km, depending on the terrain, and offer subgroups to cater to different running levels.
Details for each dirt-train, including the proposed course, departure time/place, and gear requirements, are shared on the Flyers of Ultratrail Facebook group. Most of these runs start at around 6am. To join the Trail Flyers Dirt Train, runners can request to join the separate Facebook group called Newcastle Flyers Dirt Train. Alternatively, they can contact Felicity Gamble via Facebook Messenger or in the private FB group for further information.
It is important for the safety of all participants to carry standard gear requirements during the dirt-train runs. However, these requirements may vary depending on the specific route and water availability. Details and guidelines will be distributed prior to each planned dirt-train.
The meeting point for the Red, Blue, White, and Light Rail trains is at Merewether Surfhouse on Henderson Parade, Merewether Beach. Participants are advised to be punctual and ready to depart at the scheduled time.
