By Nicholas Duck
If you go out on Wednesday night in Warragul you may have seen a group of people running together around town.

If you were wondering what they were up to, wonder no more. They're the Baw Baw Runners.
The Baw Baw Runners is a social running group designed to allow anyone from the local area to meet up with like-minded people for a run, whether they be seasoned competitors or just in it for a social outlet.
After gradually growing since its inception in July 2015, the group has enjoyed a sudden spike in participation numbers as the community embraces fitness and friendship.
The Wednesday night group is one such example. Just a few months ago the group would have a handful of attendees, at times even just one or two.
Now they're regularly in the double digits, at times hitting 20-plus keen runners pounding the pavement after 8pm from the Bunnings carpark.
Members have attributed the increase to a group of younger runners in their early 20s taking up the mantle. They've also helped the club improve their social media presence, giving them more visibility.
Local paramedic Tim Haynes was the first to take up the nighttime run, having taken it up during COVID lockdowns and finding it a great time to get out and about.
For a while it was just Tim and maybe one or two other people if he was lucky, the explosion in popularity taking him by surprise as much as anyone. "I didn't think it would catch on. I didn't expect it but the organic growth had been fun to watch," he said.
The night group takes extra care for their own safety, sticking to well lit paths and ensuring the women, who may not feel as comfortable, can run in a group. The group's mantra, 'no runner left behind,' isn't just a phrase.
For Tim, it's been as much about mental health as much as physical.
"That clarity it can give you, that's what keeps me going. Before a run you often don't really want to start but afterwards it just feels so good."
Regular runner James Lightfoot said the group has been a valuable way to meet likeminded people after recently moving to the area.
"It was a really great way to integrate into the community I found," he said.
"That social aspect has been really valuable as well as the fitness."
The group was initially started almost 10 years ago by Linda Tubnor as a way to find running buddies. The group has maintained a strong relationship with Warragul Parkrun, with plenty of crossover between the two.
Baw Baw Runners members have teamed up to tackle even more running events, whether it be local ones like the Hallora Marathon or Melbourne-based competitions.
The club's Facebook now has more than 400 people and is growing faster than ever, with groups on offer for all times of day.