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The Runaways: Six women who love to run – or are they just running away?
Coolangatta Bay and Ocean View are both picture-perfect, tranquil seaside suburbs south of Hobart, Tasmania. But the lives of six women who reside there are far from either.
Becky, Crystal, Erin, Margaux, Arabella and Sonia are all running from something. But paradoxically, running becomes something to hold on to – a precious release valve from their troubles and traumas.
After they all join the newly established Coolangatta Bay Run Club, they quickly find common ground – and friendship.
When a major new race appears on the local calendar, the running buddies decide to register and train for it together. The gruelling Sea to Summit Half-marathon could be just the escape they all need.
However, like the race itself, the women’s struggles continue to be all uphill. And when they are pushed to the very brink, it soon becomes clear that while they can run, they can’t always hide.
Becky, Crystal, Erin, Margaux, Arabella and Sonia are all running from something. But paradoxically, running becomes something to hold on to – a precious release valve from their troubles and traumas.
After they all join the newly established Coolangatta Bay Run Club, they quickly find common ground – and friendship.
When a major new race appears on the local calendar, the running buddies decide to register and train for it together. The gruelling Sea to Summit Half-marathon could be just the escape they all need.
However, like the race itself, the women’s struggles continue to be all uphill. And when they are pushed to the very brink, it soon becomes clear that while they can run, they can’t always hide.
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 13, 2024
1 person want to read
About the author
Annie Robson
3 books9 followersAnnie Robson is a former journalist and communications advisor who now writes fiction.
Annie is personally driven by two more (nice!) ‘f’ words – fashion and fitness.
Fashion underpinned her debut novel, 'Addressed', and fitness – specifically running – is the focus of her new book, 'The Runaways'.
Annie herself has completed many marathons and ultramarathons, as well as countless shorter races, both within Australia and around the world.
She lives with her husband and a menagerie of native wildlife friends on eleven hectares in the Tasmanian bush, in the foothills of Hobart’s iconic kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
And if they’re not at their alpine haven, you can find them exploring the high seas on their floating home-away-from-home, an Alaska cruiser.
Annie is personally driven by two more (nice!) ‘f’ words – fashion and fitness.
Fashion underpinned her debut novel, 'Addressed', and fitness – specifically running – is the focus of her new book, 'The Runaways'.
Annie herself has completed many marathons and ultramarathons, as well as countless shorter races, both within Australia and around the world.
She lives with her husband and a menagerie of native wildlife friends on eleven hectares in the Tasmanian bush, in the foothills of Hobart’s iconic kunanyi/Mount Wellington.
And if they’re not at their alpine haven, you can find them exploring the high seas on their floating home-away-from-home, an Alaska cruiser.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 24, 2024
The Runaways had me engaged from start to finish, so much so I have read it twice! The Author has (with brilliance) intertwined the characters journey's discreetly and delightfully.
Wittingly descriptive this book is sure to bring out aha moments, smiles and relatable moments where the chuckles are pure joy to the reader.
A book for everyone!
Wittingly descriptive this book is sure to bring out aha moments, smiles and relatable moments where the chuckles are pure joy to the reader.
A book for everyone!
October 1, 2024
Warm and engaging
I almost feel like joining a running club after reading this novel. The characters were interesting, each of the runners with her own story arc. A couple of truly dreadful men get their comeuppance. And all of the other men, husbands and boyfriends, redeem themselves (if necessary) or continue to be upstanding supporters.
Keep writing, Annie
I almost feel like joining a running club after reading this novel. The characters were interesting, each of the runners with her own story arc. A couple of truly dreadful men get their comeuppance. And all of the other men, husbands and boyfriends, redeem themselves (if necessary) or continue to be upstanding supporters.
Keep writing, Annie
September 16, 2024
Annie Robson says her life is driven by fiction, fashion and fitness. Now she can add another ‘f’ word to her list – friendship. In her latest novel The Runaways Annie’s portrayal of female friendships, how bonds are made and sealed and the support for each other that women excel at is perfectly portrayed.
The six women, all with different challenges and lifestyles, meet at a running club set in the fictional suburb of Coolangatta Bay in Hobart. Their love of running is the catalyst for their friendship but it is the acceptance and assistance they provide for each other that is the glue. Annie doesn’t shy away from the issues of today including male perpetrated violence, harassment and bullying in the workplace, mental health, and the lack of understanding around perimenopause and she addresses them all with sensitivity and compassion.
The Runaways is at its heart a love letter to female friendships and to running. Don’t worry if, like me, running isn’t your thing, The Runaways is an engrossing, entertaining and uplifting read for everyone. Highly recommended.
The six women, all with different challenges and lifestyles, meet at a running club set in the fictional suburb of Coolangatta Bay in Hobart. Their love of running is the catalyst for their friendship but it is the acceptance and assistance they provide for each other that is the glue. Annie doesn’t shy away from the issues of today including male perpetrated violence, harassment and bullying in the workplace, mental health, and the lack of understanding around perimenopause and she addresses them all with sensitivity and compassion.
The Runaways is at its heart a love letter to female friendships and to running. Don’t worry if, like me, running isn’t your thing, The Runaways is an engrossing, entertaining and uplifting read for everyone. Highly recommended.
October 30, 2024
Another warm read from Annie Robson about the transformative power of female friendships. Six wonderful women support each other to overcome the difficulties they are facing at various stages of life to run a half marathon. I so admire the way Annie unabashedly tackles challenging contemporary issues. A great read.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews