Firstly, introduce yourself; who you are, what you do and who you run with/for?

I’m Riley - most people call me Wolffy. I run with Hunter Athletics - it’s a group I co-founded back in 2017, and a major part of my life.

How long have you been running and what is your main source of motivation?

I’ve been running for about a decade - more seriously for the last 4-5 years. I love the role running can play in my life - at times it’s about pushing myself and learning what I’m capable of. At other times it’s a stress reliever. The social element has been really important for me - I’m a bit introverted and awkward, and running has introduced me to people I would never otherwise meet.

Where do you live? Do you find yourself sticking to your local routes or exploring outside your area?

I’ve lived in Richmond for the last 10 years. During the week it’s all about local loops - I have my favourites for easy days or hill runs or tempo’s. I also love our parks - Fawkner Park is nice, Fitzroy Gardens are a go-to - they’re absolutely stunning, just immaculate spaces in the middle of a huge city.

My all time favourite is running along the river into the city early in the morning. There’s something beautiful about watching the city wake up every day while you’re out running.

What is your go-to running route in/around Melbourne and why?

My favourite long run starts along the river off Bridge Road and goes into Southbank, and then the back roads to Port Melbourne Beach. From there it’s a loop of Albert Park and back home via The Tan. I also want to send a shout to Kew Boulevard - 13km out and back and none of it is flat - an underrated training ground!

If you could pick one road or trail to run anywhere in the world, where would it be and is it somewhere you have run before?

Oooh, this is a tough one. I’ve been lucky to run in some stunning locations around the world, but I think I will say the lakefront in Chicago.

You can start in the city and literally run along the water’s edge - it’s actually kinda wild but some days the path is a foot under water. Anyway, the Chicago skyline is absolutely stunning - it’s probably my favourite city in the world and has such a strong running culture as well.

Are you currently or do you have plans to train for any events in the future? If so, what and why?

Obviously Melbourne Marathon is a must. I think I’ll spend the summer trying to get quicker, and then I want to run the 50k at Ultra Trail Australia again. I did it this year and it was the most fun I’ve had at an event, and a massive sense of accomplishment. Otherwise, just training for life, ya know? The discipline and commitment that you learn from whittling away at something every day is really powerful, I think...