Keelan Birch directs Coffs Harbour trail running events and races for 2022
Parkrun organiser Keelan Birch dreams of bringing more athletes from across Australia into Coffs Harbour by reshaping the region’s running scene. Here’s how.
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Keen trail runner Keelan Birch hopes to build Coffs Harbour’s reputation in the sport across Australia.
Mr Birch, 24, is the new race director for the Coffs Harbour running festival and coordinates the Coffs Trail Runners group.
He hopes to see growth and place a spotlight on the Coffs region for running, particularly after many businesses and tourism jobs were lost.
“I could’ve chosen anywhere in the world, but Coffs is the place I love and I feel part of the community here,” Mr Birch said.
He praised Coffs Harbour for being a unique running destination that had plenty of options for his running group to explore.
“It has mountains and rainforests so close to the sea, and you don’t have to go far for different trails,” he said.
Mr Birch hopes to share what Coffs has to offer with locals while creating a buzz across Australia.
“This is coming from a local that loves the place,” Birch said.
He is the new race director for the Coffs Harbour Running festival, which is scheduled for September.
He views Coffs Harbour as an idyllic runner’s location and an opportunity to increase Coffs Harbour’s tourism appeal and national attraction.
“It might not be as theatrical as events in bigger cities, we don’t have the promo or the marketing,” Mr Birch said.
“But you’ll be guaranteed a brilliant course full of friends and a great community.”
Birch is confident running events can generate positive tourism outcomes.
“The Dorrigo run only had 50 participants, yet people will stay in the area and bring something to the town,” he said.
He said his Facebook group, Coffs Trail Runners, was expanding each day.
He is optimistic the club will grow, however his intention is for the runs to be about the community and friendships.
“I want to be part of and help to develop the community,” Mr Birch said.
He said he was equipped with knowledge to make his plan work having completed a degree in environmental management and town planning.
His group has grown from running small scale social runs to larger, more organised events.
“It’s a collaborative approach,” Mr Birch said.
“Volunteers bring food to the events and help run the events,” he said.
A work in progress
Mr Birch is excited for the future and believes that in time, Coffs Harbour can become a major hub for running tournaments and races.
“A community develops over years,” he said.
“As the community grows, the word about the events and people in the area goes with it.”
Mr Birch said he was committed to the project.
“People start paying attention slowly,” he said.
“Rather than going to Sydney and paying $200 to run a marathon, they can stay in Coffs Harbour and experience this beautiful place.”
Social runs are typically weekly on Sunday mornings, and all are welcome, from aspiring runners to veterans.
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