Over 2 months into our program, Ugly Boys is well and truly underway.

This year we are excited to have 44 boys amped and ready for the year ahead. Training twice a week, we have experienced all types of training from hills to intervals, 30-degree days to full on storms. The goal for this is to have fun, enjoy the process, and take on a challenge alongside mates.

It has been such a good start to the year getting to slowly know everyone and getting amongst the runs during the week. The runs have been great as they help keep me organized by encouraging me to schedule out my week. A highlight so far has definitely been the little trip up to port hills, the views around the whole city were so nice especially since it was around sunset. The excitement is slowly building for the Selwyn Half Marathon and all the boys are really putting in an effort to push themselves in training and we all just can't wait! - Stanley Yip

Ugly boys running club has kicked off for another year. This year we have been training with the Run Canterbury group, and being coached by Gary Gin. The sessions so far have been a mix of steady paced runs and interval sessions as well as some trails to add in some spice. I know the sessions have been working well for me and the pace of all the groups has been picking up steadily as the program continues. The next race on the calendar for a lot of people is the Selwyn Half Marathon or 10k in June, I’m sure there will be some PBs on a flat and fast course. The training is expected to build over the year with the training culminating for a lot of people with the Queenstown half and full marathons in November. There have been some pretty big turn outs from the members and it has been great to get along and run with like minded people, although that has been in some pretty average weather recently. Remember as exam season starts to creep closer to get outside and clear your head. Cheers - Alexis Migounoff

The standout moment so far this year was definitely our first trail run. At the start of the semester the boys chucked on their trainers and headed out to the Harry Ell track for a run in the hills. We were treated with some spectacular weather, making for a great afternoon out with mates. Although, by the end there were definitely some tired legs, those hills sure do bite hard!

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A huge thanks needs to go towards our coach Gary Gin, who has been great so far in creating a fun and relaxed training environment for the boys to enjoy putting some miles on the legs. Safe to say we can't wait for what this year brings!

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Nga Mihi,

Josh Nichol

UBRC Coordinator

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