Maronite Catholics are pulling on the Nikes and pounding Sydney’s pavements and parks, with the recently established MaRunite Run Club.
And it’s not without some biblical justification. When speaking to the Corinthians, St Paul uses the metaphor of an athletic competition, to living in service to Jesus Christ.
Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it (1 Cor 24).
St Paul realised the Corinthians were known for their love of competition and every second year hosted the Isthmian games where they played music and held foot races.
And while there’s here’s not much music at the Marunite Run Club—except for the warm-up tunes played over a portable speaker—there’s plenty of running.
Every Saturday at 8.30am, a group of eager plodders, meet on the Buller Street side of Doyle Ground, North Parramatta, ready to run five kilometres. But unlike the Corinthians, this is strictly a social event, not a competition.
Julian Boumansour established the club in early July 2024
“I personally felt like there should be another avenue for Maronites to meet each other in a more casual setting,” Julian said.
“It’s a brilliant way to start your Saturday, get your cardio done at your own pace, and meet up at the local café for a feed and coffee while meeting new people.
“This is essentially an eating club masked as a run club.”
Julian admits he doesn’t come from a running background himself but says he loves taking on a new challenge.
“All our runners and walkers reflect that mindset as well. We have a lot of youthful spirits taking part weekly to get back into health,” he said.
“We host a wide range of physical abilities but all with positive attitudes to push themselves and meet new people.
“One of our runners is an exercise physiologist and likes to lead the warmup while the tunes are playing.”
The club is growing weekly. On the first Saturday, six runners showed up. Now there are more than twenty. And you don’t have to be a Maronite.
“If you are someone of the faith and come with an open heart and mind to meet new people while eat delicious food, you are more than welcome to come join us,” says Julian.
Recently, the club was visited by former marathon runner Pat Farmer who spoke about his life as a runner and provided some tips on charity raising.
The MarUnite Run Club is currently raising money for UNICEF, by taking part in the Dusk to Dawn Walk.
“We have amassed over $7,000 already and hope to continue to raise more,” Julian said.
“We chose UNICEF as they have a close connection and mission to help the children suffering globally, such as in Gaza and South Lebanon, as this war continues to wager.”
This week’s run, 9 November, the club will host Subdeacon Stefan Gerges (SDS) who will lead the members in prayer and share some words of wisdom to think about when building up a sweat, and the legs get heavy.
Julian says the club is searching for Maronite sponsors to put their logos on the club T-shirts and assist the club to grow. If you are interested or someone you know is, reach out through the MRC Instagram.
