By Christine Wildhaber August 2026
I joined Hackney Women Harriers around 1993-4, having seen an advert in the Pink Paper. I’d always enjoyed running at school but had never been part of a running club before – or since! As a ‘kiwi’ it was a great opportunity to meet English women and feel part of the London (Hackney) community where I was living, unlike many antipodeans who congregated around Earls Court and West London. I loved the morning Sunday runs on Hampstead Heath where, away from the busyness of London, you could get lost in the meditative rhythm of running. During the week, we’d run along the canals in Hackney and that was a great way to unwind after work. These runs were also an opportunity to chat and get to know each other. Weekends away were great fun, although on one occasion I failed to find the rendezvous in Devon. Not having mobile phones then, I tracked the group running along the beach early in the morning before disappearing over the dunes! While I kept in close contact with some of the runners, other friendships lapsed. Getting back in touch again I am reminded of how timeless and strong those connections are – forged at a time when being gay or lesbian was not as acceptable.
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