A somewhat smaller group of runners than is usual turned up, with John on his eBike, Fran, Max, Wendy, Craig, Nicola, Maree, Aimee, Bob, Steve, Lisa and Mike all fronting up for the event, on a nice, cool day, perfect for running. We kicked off just after 0630 following an unexpected who's who of characters from the original Willy Wonka movie led by Aimee and Steve, much to the entertainment of some.

The runners headed east to do the normal Conjola route in reverse, and walkers, Fran and Lisa, headed out in the normal westerly direction. Steve and Craig didn't waste any time getting away smartly and heading into the bush 500m or so down the Lake Conjola Entrance road towards the beach, followed by Nicola, Max and Aimee, and John in there somewhere on his eBike.

Within a kilometre it seemed we had four different runs within this one run, taking some varied paths, but with everyone very well versed in the running tracks and options around Conjola it meant all was well. Mike, Bob, Maree and Wendy took a shortcut to the beach for a flatter, slightly faster run than the bush bashing group.

With Steve and Craig already well on their way to the inlet, the remaining runners, at this point split again with Nicola, Max, Aimee and Mike pushing on for Narrawallee Creek Road, while Bob, Wendy and Maree decided to make for the inlet, following in Steve's and Craig's footsteps.

Everyone returned safely to the start point, at which time we took a group photo and the RAT mothers' Mother's Day photograph. The runners then headed to Tilly and Mo's coffee shop for some coffee and tall stories!

Next Sunday, on May 19, please meet at the Ulladulla McDonalds carpark at 6am to car pool to Nelligen for the Shallow Crossing run, which has options from short walks up to the full 22km run. The run along The River Road offers gorgeous views on a quiet and scenic bush road.

Good luck wishes go out to those runners who will be competing in the Sydney Half Marathon on the weekend.

Regular Running Training:

- Tuesday: 6am, meet at Narrawallee Inlet, for flat interval training, hill or stair work. Suitable for beginners and serious athletes, distances from 1.7km.

- Wednesday: 6am, meet at Macca's car park, up to 10km.

- Friday: 6am, meet at Mollymook Surf Club car park, up to 10km.

- Saturday: 8am, Batemans Bay or Huskisson parkruns, 5km, are always on option.

- Sunday: runs will generally start at 6.30am (Check Website) - Handicaps start at 7am.

The Ulladulla RATS welcome guests, visitors and potential new members to join them, for any of their runs or rides. All standards catered for. There is no initial fee, just go along and join in. You are not obliged to run, walk, or ride the full distance and can turn back at any stage. For further information: ring or text Lauri on 0438 44 55 73.

For more information: Search Ulladulla RATS on Facebook, or visit the RATS web page at: http://ulladullarats.weebly.com/ On STRAVA search Ulladulla RATS (Runners). Also see 'RATS on Messenger' for current training and topical discussions.