Newsletter

Achilles Adelaide Newsletter

Next Training – Saturday 14th March

Location: Glenelg Rotunda
Meet from 8.45am for an 9:00am start
Session led by Justine

Includes guide training and social coffee/drink of choice at 10am.

RSVP HERE: Helps us pair guides and athletes smoothly. You can update your plans later if needed – just message us or redo the form.

Achilles Adelaide 2026 Membership is now up – Please follow the link to register. Achilles Adelaide 2026 Membership Registration

What’s next:

• Easter Weekend – Saturday 4th April – Pakapakanthi Park Run – meet there from 7.30am
• Anzac Day Long Weekend – Saturday 25th April – Oaklands Estate Park Run – meet there from 7.30am

This Months Upcoming Activity

Board Meeting 25 March

Next Months Upcoming Activity

Easter Saturday 4th April Pakapakanthi Parkrun – lead by Justine

Saturday 11th Glenelg Training – lead by Justine

Saturday 18th Glenelg Training – lead by Susan

Anzac Day 25th April Oaklands Estate Reserve Park Run – lead by Susan

🏅 Achilles Adelaide Member of the Month – February 2026

Meet Che Murray

Che Murray is one of those people who brings energy, steadiness and kindness in equal measure. At Achilles Adelaide, Che wears many hats — guide, board member and runner — but beyond that, he’s a dad, husband, teacher and a good mate to many in our community.

By day, Che is the Aboriginal Program Coordinator at Rostrevor College, where he works closely with young First Nations lads and their families. Outside school hours — often very early mornings and weekends — you’ll find him clocking up long miles, guiding an athlete, or lending his thoughtful and considered voice to the Achilles Adelaide committee.

Working in education means Che is fortunate to spend most school holidays with his family. That time is usually filled with surf sessions, camping trips and small family adventures — a balance that clearly keeps him grounded (and perhaps fuels the seemingly endless energy he brings to everything he does).

At home, Che is husband to Nadia and dad to three kids. His family is his anchor — and if you know Che, you’ll know he enjoys things neat, organised and well planned… although Achilles Adelaide is very happily teaching him to embrace the joyful chaos of community life!

---

🏃 Sporting Life

Che has built an impressive and varied sporting journey over the years.

Marathons

Che has now completed multiple marathons and came tantalisingly close to breaking the three-hour barrier at the Adelaide Marathon in May 2025 — no small feat. He’s not done yet, with his sights firmly set on another attempt in 2026, likely at the Barossa Marathon.
A key focus for Che this year is building more strength work into his training, with the hope of keeping injuries firmly at bay.

Ultra Running

Che has also tested himself over longer distances. Some of his most memorable ultras include running alongside his best mate Luke at the Two Bays Ultra on the Mornington Peninsula, as well as taking on the gruelling Heysen 105 in 2016.
The Heysen holds special significance — it remains Che’s favourite ultra as he was able to run alongside close friend Randel, who has sadly since passed away.

Hockey Roots

Before running took centre stage, Che played hockey for Port Adelaide and still enjoys having a hit with his kids. His family now plays with the Grange Royals Hockey Club, and in 2025 Che coached the M4 Women’s team through to a semi-final — a proud moment all round.

---

🤝 Guiding and Racing Together

One of Che’s proudest guiding moments came at the 2025 Oceania Masters Games, where he guided Warren McKennariey to an extraordinary set of results:

• 🥇 Gold medal in the para-athlete 8km cross-country
• 🥇 Gold medal in the 5km track race
• 🥉 Third across the line overall — although Warren was denied the official bronze due to para classification (thank goodness for that para gold!)

This experience was about far more than medals. It marked a historic moment, as it was the first time the Oceania Masters Games included a para category — a powerful step forward for inclusion and athlete–guide teamwork.

Looking ahead, Che will also travel with Johnny Huang to the London Marathon in April 2026, guiding Johnny through one of the world’s most iconic races. While Che has run many marathons, this will be his first World Major. With equal parts nerves and excitement, he’s looking forward to sharing the experience with Johnny and fellow guide Dannielle, and soaking up everything the London Marathon has to offer.

---

💛 The Person Behind the Guide

Che is known for:

• His ridiculous energy (seriously… how many hours are in your day, Che?)
• His calm, safe presence when guiding
• His quiet humour and encouragement when it matters most

---

⚡ Quick Q&A

Favourite running distance:
Any distance that includes friends

Most memorable race:
While every event holds meaning, Che says his most memorable moments have been local parkruns with his kids — memories he holds close as life gets busier.

Fun facts:

• Completed a 365-day running streak of at least 5km per day in 2020
• Has been an extra in a couple of movies
• Is learning to ride a unicycle
• A self-confessed nerd who’s been collecting coins for many years

Go-to post-run fuel:
An iced latte after morning sessions; a Sunday long run usually ends with a few beers and a pizza.

If you could run anywhere in the world:
Aldinga, followed closely by sessions with his Prospect Run Club family.

One word friends would use to describe you:
Energetic

---

🌱 From Guiding to Growing — Che’s 2026 Outlook

“Over the last year, I’ve realised that Achilles does more than just support our athletes — it motivates the guides too. I’ve gained more from guiding than most people would realise. Meeting new people and hearing their stories has been powerful. Whether walking or running, the community we’re building is something truly special and worth celebrating.”

In 2026, Che is looking forward to:

• Supporting Johnny at the London Marathon
• Helping more people across Achilles Adelaide reach their goals — whether that’s taking the first step into the group, heading out for a walk, or tackling a first 5km

On a personal note, Che’s goals are refreshingly simple and relatable:

• An injury-free year
• Another crack at a PB at the Barossa Marathon

Che, thank you for everything you bring to Achilles Adelaide — your energy, thoughtfulness and commitment help shape our community in ways that truly matter.