This is why we go to events

RUNLY NEWSLETTER #127
Thurs Sep 11th 2025

I know this seems like a weird thing to say, because I didn't even run, but I've only just recovered from the Sydney Marathon week.

Firstly, if you're new here, I'm Robbie. I'm the founder of Runly and every week I send this founder-based update/newsletter.

It's a got a bit of everything, but mostly it is my honest update on what's happening at Runly.

Sometimes it's a vent, rarely a rant, some would call it interesting, but it's always cathartic for me.

Now, back to Sydney.

You'll know if you read my newsletter last week, just how demanding the week was. 20 hours of driving, four x twelve hour days & frankly a lot of blood, sweat and not going to lie, almost tears.

It was an epic week.

Honestly, one of the best weeks of my career.

I'm a naturally introverted person, so I'm not one to really put myself out there in public too much.

But when you have the opportunity to chat with your community, you bet I'll be there.

I probably spoke to several hundred people from the Runly community over those three or four days.

It was special.

The truth about doing these events may shock you.

We don't make any money from doing this.

Sometimes people ask that in a really sincere and genuine way, like, 'oh did you do really well at Sydney?'.

And it's frankly a really hard thing to answer.

Did we make money? Probably not. If any, it may have paid for my petrol home.

That's not what it is about for us.

I don't know if this would be controversial, or surprising, but we don't go to these events to try and sell something.

Which is ironic.

Because at the end of the day we're a business that sells running vests 😅

But that is not the reason we do these events.

It's to show up, it's to have those meaningful connections with your people. It's about learning from others, and ultimately, being part of your community.

I recently got a call from a runner who's had quite a bit of media attention recently from some phenomenal achievements.

He's actually a Runly customer. Despite his incredible achievements and stature, he went online, bought a Runly vest and has been using it for his incredible runs.

So when he called I was quite shocked.

Anyway, he said to me, 'Robbie, you know what I love about you. You just show up. People know you on a first name basis, you're involved in the community and that's what I want to get behind'.

As you can imagine, it's quite a lovely thing to hear.

He went on to tell me that he's had multiple offers from the big international running vest brands to wear their product.

But he's turned them down, as he wants to support someone, a brand, that gets amongst their community.

And that's exactly why we do this.

That kind of trust & recognition isn't something you can buy.

I can only hope that our consistent efforts of trying to get behind both big events such as the Sydney or Melbourne marathons, but also the grassroots community events continues to build meaningful connections with the running community.

Speaking of, this Sunday I'm heading down to the Maribyrnong River Run.

It's our second time there.

And in comparison to the 20 hour round trip to the Sydney Marathon, this one is 10 minutes down the road!

As much as I loved the Sydney mara experience, I'm also looking forward to getting back into a grassroots event, which offers an unparalleled community atmosphere.

I hope that gives you a small insight into why we do these events.

That's all for this week.

Run well,
Robbie