YOU may have heard of ‘Eat Pray Love’ but we have our very own Run Walk Eat Wine every month here in Nelson Bay.

Nelson Bay Harriett’s was founded 8 years ago by Shoal Bay resident Clare Van Doorn.

The group is an independent offshoot of ‘Hash House Harriers’ which originated in 1938, when a group of British Colonial Officers and expatriates began meeting to run and rid themselves of the previous weekends excesses.

The original goals included promoting physical fitness, to rid weekend hangovers, to acquire a good thirst and to satisfy it with a wine or beer and to persuade the older members that they were only as old as they felt.

“I first came up with the idea because I was meeting a lot of women who had recently moved to the bay area, and looking for a social connection,” Clare Van Doorn told Bay News Of The Area.

“I had the perfect way to connect them through a run/walk, a meal together and a glass of wine,” Ms Van Doorn said.

Anywhere in the world you will find that every night there is a Hash Harrier Run taking place.

The once a month get together here in the Bay, usually draws 20 – 40 local women with ages ranging from 18- 69 years old.

Ms Clare Van Doorn said, “I love seeing the friendships and connections that have been made, we are a wonderfully diverse group of women.”

Nelson Bay Harriett’s are an inclusive group and support each other even sporting a group appointed nickname for each member.

The group meets the last Thursday of every month at various restaurants and cafes around the Bay.

Within the group are some serious runners but also some slow walkers, which is accommodating to all types of women.

“We love supporting local businesses,choosing all types of venues while keeping the cost to $20 so as to make it affordable for everyone,” she said.

The oldest member is 69 year old,“Fox” Lesley Filmer who plans to do the City to Surf for her 70^th birthday.

There is no joining fee involved.

Contact Oonagh at oohagh333@gmaiPPYl.com or go to Nelson Bay Harriett’s on Facebook to find out more.

 

 

 

By Jewell DRURY