The youngster ready to take Bridge to Brisbane by storm

At just two-years-old, Max Halls is chomping at the bit to line up for his third 10km run in the Bridge to Brisbane this year.

Social Mums Club runner Trish Halls with two-year-old Max getting ready for Bridge to Brisbane. Picture: Richard Walker

At just two-years-old, Max Halls is chomping at the bit to line up for his third 10km run in the Sunday Mail Transurban Bridge to Brisbane this year.

The well-travelled toddler has been his mum, Trish’s, co-pilot since she walked her first 5km

parkrun course at Wynnum when he was only two weeks old.

From those tentative first steps, Trish began to jog, then run and now competes in triathlons,

half-marathons and the annual Bridge to Brisbane.

“I’d never thought of myself as a runner but I remember when I was pregnant, seeing women

running and pushing prams, and telling myself, ‘this can be me’,” she recalled.

“Now Max sits in the pram saying, ‘faster, faster’ to me as we run!”

From parkrun, Trish joined Social Mums Group, a free community collective supporting mums of all ages and stages to live a more social, happy and fulfilled life.

Social Mums Club runners Chelsea Hollingsworth with four-year-old Oliver and Trish Halls with two-year-old Max. Picture: Richard Walker

The group has connected more than 23,000 mums nationwide and nurtures friendships through

activities ranging from relaxed coffee catch-ups to regular running meet-ups.

“It’s so great. The group is made up of all sorts of people from all backgrounds but we’re all like-minded. It’s so inviting and supportive, regardless of your goals.”

Trish and Max join a contingent of Social Mums Group members running, walking and strolling the 5km and 10km Bridge to Brisbane course on Sunday 14 September.

“I enjoy the social aspect of running with a group of people, and Bridge to Brisbane has a great festive atmosphere so the actual running doesn’t feel too hard at all,” Trish said.

Getting a toddler to the starting line on time may seem daunting for some but Trish said the keys are preparation and practice.

“You do have to be organised. We usually do a super-quick routine in the mornings so he’s used to getting up and going and before Bridge to Brisbane, I make sure everything is ready the night before: snacks, toys and pram bag packed.”

Her sights are set on a personal best time this year but Max is eyeing off a different prize.

“He actually got handed the medal when we crossed last year so I don’t know, he might think

he’s getting one this year too.”

Early bird registrations are on sale until 30 June. Secure your spot at the starting line now before registrations sell out.