More than a run club.
A healthy space for men with a running problem
$500k+ raised for charity · 150+ active members · 50+ trained Mental Health First Aiders
Founded 2018, Manly, Australia
Who We Are
At Vipers Run Club, we believe in building a healthy, connected and supportive community of men whose lives are enriched by their experience as a Viper.
Here's the reality. Over half of Aussie men aged 35 to 50 meet the criteria for loneliness. Seven blokes a day are lost to suicide in Australia. And almost one in four men say they wouldn't seek help from anyone for their mental health.
Vipers started because co-founders Matty Abel and Olly Woolrych noticed blokes weren't connecting outside the pub. They wanted to create a healthy space for men to build real friendships. Running was the answer. Side by side, not face to face. The conversations that happen on the road, on the trail and up the hill at 5:50am are what actually change lives.
What started in 2019 as a handful of mates running laps of Snake Hill in Manly on Thursday evenings has grown into one of Sydney's most recognised run clubs. And a genuine community that goes way beyond running.
What Makes Us Different
Community Over Competition
The fastest bloke cheers the loudest for the slowest. We celebrate the back of the pack and always clap the last man home. It doesn't matter how fast you run. It matters that you showed up.
Real Connections, Not Just Kilometres
Blokes join Vipers not knowing a single person and end up with lifelong mates. From Viper Dads supporting each other through fatherhood, to a Book Club, Dinner4Dads nights, ocean swimming and even a band (The Rattlesnakes) formed by members who met through the club.
Giving Back
Over half a million dollars raised for Movember and Lifeline Northern Beaches. Move for 60 is our flagship fundraiser where Vipers continuously run a 1km loop for 60 hours straight. Because every 60 minutes, 60 men around the world take their own lives.
Structured Support
50+ trained Mental Health First Aiders. Members completing the Accidental Counsellor course. 10+ members qualified through the NSW Athletics Level 1 Recreational Coaches course. A partnership with Lifeline Northern Beaches. We're intentional about how we look after our people.
As Seen In
Men's Health Magazine · Movember.com · Boss Hunting · The Tawny Frogmouth · NSW Athletics · Northern Beaches Advocate · Northern Beaches Council · Manly Observer · Runner's Tribe · In Marketing We Trust · Le Bent Australia · 2GB
FAQs
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Absolutely not. Whether you’re training for an ultra or lacing up for the first time, you’re welcome. Our sessions are built for all abilities. You run at your pace and we’ll be there cheering you on regardless.
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Vipers was founded to give men a space to connect with each other in a healthy way. Research from the Australian Institute of Family Studies shows over half of Aussie men aged 35 to 50 meet the criteria for loneliness, and men who lack close mates are twice as likely to experience suicidal thoughts. We created Vipers because men need dedicated spaces to build genuine connection. Our hope is that by being part of this community, you’re supported to be a better friend, partner, husband, father, son and colleague. We regularly partner with female and mixed-gender running clubs in our area.
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Our sessions are based on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, but we’ve got members from all across the area, the lower North Shore and beyond. If you can make the sessions and want to be part of it, we’d love to have you. Session details are shared with members once you’re onboarded.
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There’s an annual membership fee that covers coaching, insurance, events and club operations. You’ll get the full details during onboarding. Your first month is a trial before any payment is needed.
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Yes. All men are welcome regardless of age, pace or experience. We care a lot more about who you are as a person than how fast you are as a runner. All we ask is that you’re willing to show up, be yourself and contribute to the community.