WHO WE ARE
Byron Bay Runners was founded in 2011. We have over 200 members, ranging from Juniors (ages 8-12yrs), Seniors (12-18yrs), Open (18-30yrs), Masters (30+yrs) and Veteran (50+yrs) age groups. We have an even split of females and males across all training groups, and range from recreational runners running for fitness, social and wellbeing, to state- and national level medallists. Our members enjoy taking part in track, road, trail and cross country.
Byron Bay Runners - a COMMUNITY club since 2011
We depend on the active participation of our members and their families and friends to keep our running community thriving. We enthusiastically encourage you as a member (or parent of a member) to engage with the club, by volunteering an hour or two of your time at our club events (summer sizzler series, Nov, Dec, March) and public events (Herb Elliott Twilight Meet, October and the Rainforest Run, June).
Outside of events, if you would like to become more regularly involved, we have lots of opportunities for volunteers to help with the administrative load of the club (e.g. social media management, online shop administration/merchandising, website editor, volunteer co-ordinator) and committee roles that help shape the club.
Please click on this link to volunteer, and someone from the club will be in touch!
CLUB COACHES
The club has 14 Coaches providing their services to our club members, through weekly training runs, at our regular Coaches’ Clinics, and providing individual advice for those runners working towards a particular race/goal. All club coaches with youth squads have Working with Children Clearance, all our coaches have professional indemnity insurance and hold Athletics Australia qualifications (most are level 2 or higher) across High Performance, Recreational Running and Trail Running specialisms. Our coaches are highly experienced competitive runners, many of whom have competed at state, national and even international level; their knowledge and experience help guide our members to achieve their full potential as runners.
DISTANCE SQUADS
Caroline: BBR Head Coach; Distance Squads - Lead Coach. High Performance Coach. World Athletics II, Australian Athletics level 4. Caroline is 3 x Australian National Team Coach (Athletics Australia) 2023, 2025, 2026, NSW Team Coach (Junior Nationals, 2025, 2026), Targeted Talent Program Athletics NSW 2022 - Distance Squad lead coach, awarded Athletics NSW Country Coach of the Year (2025). Founder and life member of Byron Bay Runners.
Anne: Coach (Junior Distance). Experienced competitive runner and distance coach of junior age runners.
Skye: Assistant Coach (Junior Distance). Emerging elite distance runner (state medallist, and multiole state team representation for cross country and steeplechase in national championships), assisting coaching of junior distance squad.
Rod: Assistant Coach (Senior Distance)
SPRINT SQUADS
Aziz: Sprint Squads - Lead Coach. Elite sponsored athlete in his 20’s, Aziz is offering his expertise as a coach to our sprint squads, focusing on high performance/emerging elite in 60m, 100m, 200m, 400m. Coaches senior sprinters Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Abbey. AA level 1, Assistant Coach (Senior Sprinters - Tuesdays). Former NCAA US College Athlete (400m hurdles).
Matilda: AA level 1, Assistant Coach (Sprints). A former state level XC runner who’s made the switch to the fast stuff! State level runner, 400m.
Alita: AA level 1, Assistant Coach (Sprints). State level competitor over 400- and 800m.
RECREATIONAL/TRAIL RUNNING COACHES
Gary: AA Level 2 (Recreational/Trail Running). Highly experienced marathoner and trail runner. Sunday social runs co-ordinator
Jacqui: AA Level 2 (Recreational/Trail Running). Seasoned ultramarathoner, regularly competing internationally. Thursday trail run co-ordinator
Matt: AA level 1, Ultra-marathoner, also competing at major national and international trail events. Thursday trail run co-ordinator
Clara. AA level 1 (Recreational running). Highly experienced runners and yoga teacher.
Simon. AA level 1, Multi-day ultra-marathoner, highly experienced trail runner competing regularly at major national and international events.
Andy. AA level 1. Multi-talented trail, track, road runner who also dabbles in triathlon.
2025-26 COMMITTEE MEMBERS/OFFICERS
Scott (President). Famed for his glory days in track and cross country, now in perpetual motion around the Bay (most likely to have used all the activity settings on strava!).
…. SECRETARY…. POSITION VACANT! Please get in touch via ‘contact us’
Sharon (Treasurer) A seasoned ’miler’, Ballina Park Run legend and Keeper of the BBR Piggy Bank.
John (Registrar) Still the fastest in his family (just!) over 100m.
Lisa (Online shop/merchandise). Incredibly fast, wearer of many Strava segment crowns.
Caroline (Head Coach). Encourages, motivates and supports. Also has the ability to herd cats (particularly on Tuesdays and Thursdays).
Simon (Childrens’ Safety Officer) aka ‘Forrest’, most likely to have run more kms this week than you’ve driven in your car.
Gary (Trail Representative) Gary is The Accidental Marathoner (yes, this can actually happen!); previous winner of the BBR fluoro beanie.
Jacqui (Member). A renowned streaker and trail superhero. Much appreciated provider of space blankets, calmness on cliff edges and post-run vegan soups.