The R.U.T.H. Run is Back in 2025!
Why we run it, and why you should too.
The Running Up That Hill (RUTH) Run isn’t about elite athleticism or blistering speed. It’s about showing up. It’s about saying, “Yes, that hill looks hard, but I’ve done harder things.” It’s a celebration of persistence, of friendship, of putting one foot in front of the other, no matter the terrain.
Launched as part of our Empowering Women initiative in 2024, the RUTH Run was created by Mums of the Hills to get local women moving, laughing, connecting, and reclaiming space on the footpaths, trails and hills of the Yarra Ranges. And reclaim it we did.
Last year, we had mums, teens, aunties, neighbours, and even reluctant partners tie up their laces and run (or walk, shuffle, skip, or dance) their way up hills, across ovals, and into the most joyfully supportive community event you can imagine. It wasn’t about competition, it was about connection.
You can read more about the 2024 event here and check out some highlights and reflections in our blog wrap-up.
To achieve the challenge of running up that hill, a few of us banded together and created the Runooshkas running group. This had a couch to 5km kind of feel but with the added bonus of hills training, an absolute essential skill for running in Yarra Ranges. It really helped us to complete the run, all while making friends along the way.
Fast forward to last weekend and the Runooshkas were warming up in readiness for the jog when a glowing mum-to-be passed by, smiled and asked, “Are you the Runooshkas?” We proudly said yes. Her response? “I’ll run with you next year.”
That’s the heart of the RUTH Run right there. Support, friendship and connections and we’re super proud that people can see that.
The 2025 RUTH Run on September 21st, promises even more of what made the inaugural event so special. Same route but we’re finishing at the Birdsland Education Centre so that family and friends can cheer you over the finish line while eating a bacon and egg burger care of our caterer, Glen Cooks Food. We’re gathering a large bunch of volunteers and a louder cheering squad too. Most importantly, we’ve got more opportunities for our community to feel strong, seen, and supported.
Whether you're a seasoned runner, a hesitant jogger, or just someone who loves a good cause and a beautiful day out, you belong at the RUTH Run.
Registrations for the 2025 RUTH Run are now open. Or, if you're not ready to commit, join the Runooshkas crew for a low-pressure jog and see what we’re all about.
Because yes, that hill is steep. But we’re running up it together.
