The grassroots story behind the community sport movement

More than 180 locals joined a weekly 5-kilometre loop through Rosalind Park last Saturday morning, organised entirely by the volunteer-run Bendigo Striders group.

The turnout reflects a steady rise in community-led fitness activity that has continued even as major international tournaments dominate sports coverage elsewhere. Residents cite easier access to nearby routes and low-cost group sessions as the main reasons they keep returning rather than joining commercial gyms.

Striders coordinator meetings now rotate between the Golden Square Neighbourhood House and the Lake Weeroona pavilion, where members plan routes that avoid heavy traffic on High Street and View Street. The group started with 25 people in early 2024 and has since added a Tuesday evening interval session at the Bendigo Athletics track on Napier Street.

Numbers behind the growth

Bendigo City Council figures show 1,240 registered participants across all community running programs in the first half of 2026, up from 890 in the same period two years earlier. Most events charge between $8 and $12 entry, with proceeds covering only timing chips and first-aid supplies.

Next steps for new runners

The next free introductory session starts at 7 am on 19 July at the Rosalind Park rotunda, followed by a 3-kilometre walk option for anyone new to the routes. Details appear on the Bendigo Striders noticeboard at the Golden Square Neighbourhood House or on their simple email list that sends updates every Monday.