Before dawn breaks over Logan River Parklands, a small group gathers in bright red shirts, stretching in the cool air before another five-kilometre run across Beenleigh’s iconic red bridge.
Some are parents sneaking in a workout before the school rush.
Others are retirees, first-timers, or kids tagging along with mum or dad.
Together, they call themselves the Red Bridge Racers – a community running group built on early mornings, laughter, and camaraderie.
“A few of us used to run regularly about three years ago, but numbers dropped off for a while,” founder Nay Smith said.
“Then a couple of us younger ones thought: you know what, we need to put some life into this.
“We gave ourselves a name, a bit of structure, and started promoting it through the community pages.”
What began as six runners has grown into a local phenomenon.
“We’re up to about 138 members now,” Ms Smith said.
“Of course, not everyone runs every week – usually around a dozen to 14 people show up regularly.
“We’ve got everyone from kids as young as eight to our oldest member, Mike, who’s nearly 80.”
The group meets twice a week – Wednesdays for structured training and Fridays for what they call the ‘Easy Five at Five’, a social five-kilometre jog that begins at 5 am from the KFC car park at Loganholme.
On Saturdays, many members can be found volunteering or running at the Logan River Parkrun, proudly wearing their red shirts.
“Wednesdays are more about intervals or distance runs,” Ms Smith said.
“We make sure no one runs alone – for safety, but also for support.
“Fridays are more relaxed, just a fun trot before the weekend.”
The club’s inclusive spirit is what keeps it growing.
“We’ve got people of all abilities – some are training for races like the GC50, others are just starting out,” Ms Smith said.
“One of our members went from not being able to run 200 metres to finishing her first 10K.
“Our fastest runner will often slow down to help someone else cross the line. It’s all about the team effort.”
For many, the group is about more than fitness.
“A lot of us are in our 30s to 50s – parents just trying to reclaim a bit of time before the kids wake up,” Ms Smith said.
“It’s a great group of people and we love and support each other. We do a Christmas party, and a few weeks ago even a pub crawl with 15km and four pubs around Brisbane on a Sunday.”
There are no fees or memberships – just good company, community spirit, and the open road, Ms Smith said.
“The only cost is if you want a shirt,” she said.
“But you don’t need one to belong.”
