OUR MISSION
The Runaway Collective was formed as a response to a gap we identified within the sporting landscape in Nelson, NZ. While the region is blessed with incredible training facilities, and a natural environment that encourages fitness and outdoor activity, we found there was limited support available for athletes who aspired to be more than simply regional competitors.
For many athletes, there is hesitation and uncertainty surrounding the transition from recreational participation into competitive running. The pathway often feels unclear. We created this group to provide that pathway — a supportive and ambitious environment that helps athletes progress from participation into competitive, and eventually elite, competition.
Many other sporting codes within the region already have strong development systems in place that guide athletes toward higher performance opportunities. We believe running deserves the same. We believe running can be transformative. Beyond physical fitness, it teaches resilience, discipline, consistency, confidence, accountability, and goal setting skills that transfer into every aspect of life.
Alongside performance-focused athletes, we are deeply committed to growing participation in the sport at a grassroots level. We offer development training opportunities for primary and intermediate-aged athletes, where the emphasis is on engagement, enjoyment, and education. Our goal is to show young people that running is more than simply going for a run. We teach movement skills, confidence, teamwork, and athletic fundamentals that can positively impact all of their future sporting endeavours.
OUR COACH
Coach of the Runaway Collective is Angus Wemyss. Angus is an Athletics New Zealand Accredited Coach based in Nelson.
"I am a running coach passionate about helping enthusiastic sportspeople develop into confident, capable athletes. With almost two decades of experience in the sport as an athlete—including many years competing at a national level—and recent years spent coaching, I understand both the commitment and the journey required to reach your goals.
My focus is on helping every athlete progress to the level they aspire to compete at, and beyond. No dream is too small. Drawing on extensive knowledge of training methodology, race preparation, and performance techniques, I create efficient, individualised training programs tailored to each athlete's goals, ability, and lifestyle. Whether you're taking your first steps into competitive running or striving for personal bests at the highest level, I'm committed to helping you complete your mission."