The Ulladulla RATS (Runners And TriathleteS) is a sports club located in Ulladulla, Australia. The club welcomes guests, visitors, and potential new members to join them for any of their runs. They cater to all standards, so whether you're a beginner or a serious athlete, you'll find a supportive and inclusive community at the Ulladulla RATS.
The club has a rich history that dates back to the 1980s when it started as a group of blokes who got together for a Sunday run. They even organised a successful Half Marathon on the challenging dirt tracks behind Milton, which was dubbed as “The Toughest Half Marathon in the State. ” In the 1990s, they introduced the RATS 10 km & 5. 5 km Handicap Series, which has continued to this day.
In 1999, Ken Saunders joined the club and brought with him a more inclusive philosophy from the running clubs in Sydney. He organised a local fun run from Mollymook Beach, which attracted notable competitors like Andrew Lloyd and Heather Turland, both Commonwealth Games Medallists. The influence of other members, such as Barb Maxwell, helped to change the dynamics of the club, resulting in over 70 members and equal representation of male and female runners.
The Ulladulla RATS now caters to runners and triathletes of all levels. Whether you want to join as a regular participant or just as a one-time visitor, you'll always be welcomed. The club holds regular running training sessions throughout the week, including interval training, hill work, and longer distance runs. They also participate in parkruns in Batemans Bay or Huskisson on Saturdays.
Sunday runs usually start at 6:30am, with handicaps starting at 7am.
It's important to note that the Ulladulla RATS is not a registered club and does not provide any form of insurance. Therefore, it is highly recommended that participants hold their own personal injury insurance and third party personal and property insurance.
For more information and to stay updated on the club's activities, you can visit their Facebook page or contact Lauri or Nicola, who are available to provide further details. Additionally, the Ulladulla RATS can be found on STRAVA for those who prefer to track their runs and connect with other runners in the community.