Pride of Australia: Rachel Allworth helps 300 Aussies to get moving

If you had asked Rachel Allworth what she thought of running three years ago, she would have said words not suitable for publishing.

Rachel Allworth has helped over 300 people get fit by organising a volunteer running group every Saturday for locals. Picture: Tim Clapin

If you had asked Rachel Allworth what she thought of running three years ago, she would have said words not suitable for publishing.

“I hated running, I really hated it. I used to hide behind buildings at school when cross country was on,” she said.

But after the Padstow Heights teacher taught herself how to run, and how to enjoy it, people started noticing a change in her.

Rachel Allworth. Picture: Tim Clapin

“They asked me ‘What have you been doing? I wish I could do that’ and I just thought well why can’t they?” she said.

So Ms Allworth started volunteering to train a small group of friends, giving them support and running “homework”. She’s now helped over 300 people, who travel from as far as Campbelltown, to find their inner athlete.

Ms Allworth says she still can’t believe how much the group, known around town as Rachel’s Runners, has grown.

“People say ‘look at all these people you’ve helped’,” Ms Allworth said. “But I didn’t set out to do it, I just like doing it, and it’s good to see people happy and proud of themselves.

“With help and support, you can do whatever you set your mind too.”

The benefits of course, go beyond fitness.

“It’s good for anxiety relief, mental health, but it’s a good way to network and meet people too,” she said.

This year Ms Allworth has also started volunteering at the Panania Parkrun, a free timed 5km run put on by the community for the community.

Ms Allworth has been nominated for the Pride of Australia Medal, supported by Clubs NSW.

For more information and nomination details, go to prideofaustralia.com.au