IGA announces hot cross bun-inspired run club

Because life is all about balance, right?

Ready to level up your long-distance training and give the Easter Bunny a run for his money? It might be time to join the Hot Cross ‘Bun Club’. 

I think we can all agree that while good things come in three, better things come in six, from your boyfriend’s toned abdominal muscles to your favourite post-work beverages. Now, the theory has been strengthened even further with the seasonal reintroduction of Australia’s favourite baked goods: hot cross buns. 

And thanks to a brilliant new idea combining our love of fitness with our unwavering bun obsession, the Easter Bunny won’t be the only one clocking up the kilometres on his smartwatch this year.

Tomorrow, in partnership with local Cronulla run club StravaSharks, IGA is launching the first-ever Hot Cross ‘Bun Club’, bringing a much-needed boost of flavour to fitness. 

IGA is launching the first-ever Hot Cross ‘Bun Club’. Image: Supplied

The six-pack every runner needs

Enthusiasts of buns and runs are invited to join the StravaSharks this Friday 21st of March at 7:15 am for a 5km raining session like never before, kicking off at Dunningham Park in Cronulla. Before setting off on the group run, participants will be treated to the first of three bun stops, sampling some of IGA’s highly anticipated flavours set to hit the shelves this year. 

Midway through the course, runners will refuel with a second bun, before polishing off a third and final bun and a well-earned coffee at Next Door Café in Cronulla with the group. 

While there will be no shortage of traditional hot cross buns, IGA is excited for runners to refuel with some newer flavours, such as Apple & Cinnamon the exclusive Reese’s Hot Cross Bun. 

“Community is at the heart of everything we do, just like IGA. Partnering with them for the Bun Club is the perfect way to bring people together, combining our passion for running with a treat everyone loves!” Explains Jarryd Biviano, founder of StravaSharks.

“Whether you’re someone who hits the pavement regularly, or are just in it for the buns, absolutely everyone is welcome, so come down and get involved.”

The Bun Club is the perfect way to bring people together. Image: Supplied

For the runners and bun lovers unable to make it to the inaugural Hot Cross ‘Bun Club’, it may be worth embracing the idea at home. Festivities aside, Biviano and the StravaSharks might be onto something with their new pre and post-run snack. 

As recommended by experts, runners should ideally fuel their bodies with easily digestible, carbohydrate-rich foods before setting out for a trot, allowing for a slow release of energy to encourage better endurance. Common examples of go-to pre-run meals include bananas, toast with nut butter, muesli bars, bagels and dried fruits. 

Hot cross buns – a festive snack that is neither inherently unhealthy nor healthy – are typically made with butter, sugar, dried fruits and refined flour, so, while they may not be the world’s healthiest digestible snack, they are comprised of the perfect ingredients to fuel any kind of distance. 

Like anything packed full of sugar, hot cross buns are best enjoyed in moderation, but for the next six weeks or so (or until your local IGA or bakery have cleaned out the shelves of their Easter six-packs), we say it’s time to make the most of the tasty, festive treat.

Originally published as IGA announces hot cross bun-inspired run club