Run Your Mouth: DAWN Run Club

Run Your Mouth: DAWN Run Club

What started as a few mates meeting up for early (5:25am) runs has quickly become a growing community built on common ground beyond running, slow sunrises, and post-run coffees. We caught up with Max, Zach, and Jono—the trio behind DAWN—to talk running rituals, marathon ambitions, and what’s to come from DAWN.

So, who are you guys? What do you do day-to-day and what are your running goals?

Max: Name’s Max, I’m 28, love reading, I like taking long walks on the beach… oh wait, wrong questionnaire. Right now, my main goal is just to keep clocking up the kilometres. Getting out for a run with mates and meeting new people along the way helps make it all the more enjoyable.

Zach: I work as a barber, run a small brand called Remy Market, and lately I’ve been organising these early group runs we call DAWN. Personally, I just want to keep running with friends and build up to some fun races. Next stop: Sydney Marathon.

Jono: Runner by dawn, sandwich shop owner by day. Right now, I’m focused on nailing an injury-free marathon block so I can go after that elusive sub-3 at Sydney.

Q. It’s 5 a.m.—what song is blasting to get you moving?

Max: Seek and Destroy by Metallica. Instant motivation.

Zach: Riders on the Storm by The Doors. Dark, eerie, mysterious—perfect for pre-dawn miles.

Jono: Shook Ones Pt. II. One of the hardest beats in hip hop, full stop.

Q. How many alarms do you set on a Wednesday morning? Be honest.

Max: I swear I only set one… but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t hit snooze now and then. Waking up at 4:30am never gets easier.

Zach: One on my watch at 4:35, and a backup on my phone at 4:40. That one’s loud enough to wake my girlfriend if I don’t get moving.

Jono: One. That’s it. The key is to jump straight out of bed—no snoozing.

Q. Zach and Jono, you both recently ran the Ballarat Marathon. How was it? And Max… are we seeing you at Sydney?

Max: I dunno—it’s a long way. But maybe Sydney if I can snag an entry. Would be pretty cool to run it with these two.

Zach: Ballarat was unreal. The energy, the support—it was just love all around. And yes, we’re still whispering, yelling, and begging Max to run Sydney. Help us out?

Jono: Lost for words. My first marathon was unforgettable, especially with the DAWN crew and my partner there cheering me on. I was chasing sub-3 but hit a wall late in the race—now I truly get why they say the marathon starts at 35km. That pain is real, but crossing the line made it all worth it. DAWN’s heading to Sydney next—we just need to find Max a bib.

Q. All-time favourite movie? Go.

Max: After Hours—a wild ride through 1980s New York. Criminally underrated Scorsese.

Zach: Click. Funny, silly, and makes me cry every single time.

Jono: Tough choice, but I’m a sucker for the Harry Potter series. It’s my go-to winter binge.

Q. Did you grow up as runners or come to it later?

Max: I did a lot of cross-country in school and kept dipping in and out over the years. Now it’s a way to clear my head, catch up with mates, and share some good stories.

Zach: I grew up skateboarding in Frankston—never thought I’d become a runner. Honestly, still feel like an imposter sometimes. But I’ve grown to love it.

Jono: Yeah, I’ve always had that runner in me. Played competitive soccer growing up and was usually the fittest on the pitch. Took a break around 21 to focus on work, but I’ve made running a consistent part of life again since early 2024.

Q. Coffee—before or after your run?

Max: Almost always after. Can’t trust myself with a pre-run coffee… if you know what I mean.

Zach: Coffee before the run is non-negotiable (first stop: the toilet). Post-run coffee? Also essential. Always at Hugo’s.

Jono: Both are key. Pre-run for the buzz and, let’s be honest, the toilet. Post-run to sip with the lads.

Q. Can we expect more DAWN merch soon? And tell us about that logo.

We’ve got more merch on the way, and we’re hyped to bring it to life. Our next T-shirt drop is coming soon, featuring a logo designed by the incredibly talented @mikekillwhat here in Melbourne. We gave him a messy idea, pulled from a mood board full of skate graphics and vintage horror posters, and he absolutely nailed it—no changes needed. The design is all about fresh starts—that magic moment when the sun rises or something just clicks. Mike just got it, and we couldn’t be more stoked.

Join the DAWN crew at Hugo's Deli every Wednesday at 5:25am for a 14km loop at 5min/km.