Welly Lesbian Run/Walk Club is bringing Wellington’s LGBTQ+ community together for movement, friendship and plenty of post-run yapping — with no pressure, no registration and no one left behind.
For founder Kiera, the idea began with a simple desire: more opportunities for queer people to connect throughout the year.
“This year has really been about focusing on connection and fostering community for me,” she says.
“I noticed that Wellington has so many great queer events in the summer months but not as many opportunities for queer people to connect with our community all year round.”
Rather than waiting for another event to appear, Kiera decided to create one herself.
“I thought a run/walk club would be a great way to get people out of the house, meeting other queer people and also prioritising moving our bodies even when the weather isn’t as inviting, and it’s so easy to get stuck in a routine of staying home.”
Inspired by lesbian run clubs in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, she decided Wellington deserved one too.
“I know that Wellington has a few other run clubs, but none that specifically cater to lesbians, queer women, trans and gender non-conforming people,” she says.
“I really wanted this to be not just about running but about creating a new space for this group to come together in Wellington.”
When people actually started turning up, Kiera says the response felt surreal.
“I remember telling my friends, ‘Wow, people actually turned up!’”
“It made me realise that other people see the value in this too and that was a really incredible feeling.”
No pace, no pressure and no one left behind
Despite the name, you definitely do not have to be a runner.
Each gathering starts with a little mingling and stretching before Kiera explains the route and everyone heads off at their own pace.
“We’ll typically do 15 minutes out and 15 minutes back to all arrive back at the same time,” she says.
“Then order our coffees and chat for as long as we like!”
If you are late, that is no drama either — participants can simply join the route when they arrive.
Making walking every bit as welcome as running was important to Kiera from the beginning.
“I have never been good at sports and I’m certainly not a fast or confident runner,” she says.
“So I knew that if it was me trying to decide whether to attend, I’d want it to feel very supportive of all abilities.”
There is no required fitness level and no pressure to cover a particular distance.
“Walking is greatly encouraged, or even just turning up for the social afterwards is totally fine too!”
Rather than obsessing over kilometre splits or finishing times, the club sticks to its 15-minutes-out, 15-minutes-back format.
“There’s no talk about paces or times,” Kiera says.
“That way we can all make it back for coffee and a chat around the same time and no one feels left behind.”
And if you are wondering whether this is really a running club or a social club, Kiera is happy to settle the question.
“Way more yapping for sure!”
“Really, the running/walking is just an excuse to get a bunch of cool queer people in the same place. This run club is definitely much more about making new friends and building a beautiful queer community!”
A space for queer connection
The club is especially focused on creating community for lesbians, queer women, trans and non-binary people, while welcoming people from across the LGBTQ+ community.
Kiera is also clear that maintaining a genuinely inclusive environment means drawing a firm line against discrimination.
“I don’t tolerate any hate speech, especially no transphobia,” she says.
“If anyone is making someone else feel uncomfortable, this is not the space for them, and they will be asked to leave.”
“This club is for celebrating the queer community, and that means sticking together and supporting each other, especially our trans and non-binary folk.”
For people who want to come along but feel nervous about turning up alone, Kiera says those nerves are understandable — and unlikely to last long.
“It’s normal to feel nervous, but everyone is super friendly, and it’s definitely a space for making new friends.”
“You’re also welcome to bring a supportive ally friend if that will help settle your nerves!”
Visitors to Wellington are also “more than welcome!”
Wellington weather is part of the experience
So far, the club has made good use of Wellington’s waterfront, choosing routes that help keep things relatively flat and accessible.
And yes, that means dealing with the capital’s famously unpredictable weather.
“So long as there are no weather warnings, we’ll bring raincoats and make the best of it!” Kiera says.
“It just makes the warm drink at the end even sweeter!”
There is no special kit required either.
“Just wear whatever you’re comfortable moving in!”
There is also no membership fee or complicated sign-up process.
“No need to register, you can simply turn up!”
And the best part is it’s “totally free!”
The club’s Instagram account, @wellylesbianrunclub, shares upcoming dates, routes and meeting points. Its 2026 posts have included gatherings around Evans Bay and Lyall Bay, demonstrating that the club is already finding its feet across different parts of the city.
Building something lasting for Wellington’s rainbow community
Over the next year, Kiera hopes the club becomes somewhere people regularly come to see existing friends — and make new ones.
“I would love for the run club to become a place where people regularly come to hang out with their friends and meet new queer people,” she says.
“And if there’s interest for it, maybe start hosting some different social events that don’t just involve running!”
She is also keen to support queer-owned businesses and potentially collaborate with local rainbow organisations.
“I love supporting local queer-owned businesses, so I’d be open to collaborating with any one of them!”
For Kiera, though, the pitch remains pleasingly uncomplicated.
“Have you been wanting to meet cool new queer people in Wellington? Come along to the hottest new run club in town — Welly Lesbian Run/Walk Club.”
“Come for a walk/run but stay for a yap and a social drink!”
Kiera’s quick-fire favourites
Favourite Wellington running or walking spot?
“Oriental Parade on a sunny day!”
Ultimate post-run coffee order?
“I actually love a smoothie or a hot chocolate.”
Best snack after a run?
“A pastry or a baked good.”
Dream club playlist anthem?
“HOT TO GO!” by Chappell Roan.
Running shoes, walking shoes — or whichever pair was closest to the door?
“Definitely just whatever is closest to the door.”
The club’s unofficial motto?
“Be gay, join a run club.”
