WRW has made a great impact in the city of Wellington over the last 44 years, including establishing the Wellington Marathon. The club has served hundreds of members, all with a passion for staying active and connected.

Wellington Marathon Clinic from 1979

The club began to help train runners, in part for the health benefits of running. In 1986, the WMC established the Harbour Capital Half Marathon to promote the club and to promote running around our region.

The route changed over the years and grew in popularity, becoming known as the Wellington Marathon in 2010. The event was owned and run by the WMC for 30 years, made possible by large community groups, Westpac Stadium, Wellington City Council and the Shoe Clinic – the longest-standing sponsor at 17 years.

Many volunteers were inspired to be participants in future years. Grass roots community involvement is what the event and the Wellington Runners & Walkers have always been about.

Eventually, the event size became difficult for the club to administer, and the club decided to sell the event. In 2016 it became the Gazley Volkswagen Wellington Marathon Event.

Wellington Runners & Walkers from 2021

At the club AGM in December 2021, a new trading name of ‘Wellington Runners & Walkers’ was unanimously supported, to better reflect the current goals and members of the club. 

While some members continue to take part in half and full marathons, there are others interested in recreational running alone, or a variety of other events such as 10km and cross-country events. The walking section of the club is also active, with many members previously runners.