Before Dubbo Parkrun began in 2015, Peter Anderson and Ray McTiernan were merely strangers looking to give a new community event a go.
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The pair jumped on board the parkrun initiative on its very first day in Dubbo, where they would also so happen to meet.
Since that day, the duo have been inseparable on the track and even found inspiration and motivation in one another.
Mr McTiernan said meeting Mr Anderson has been instrumental in his dedication to continuing on in his fitness journey.
"Because he is around my age, he has given me a gauge to see how I am running," he said.
"Without Peter running I only have the age-graded score to check on.
"I know I can not expect to be compared to other younger runners but the WAVA age grading is interesting.
"Not knowing Peter very long, I find him to be a fine fellow and I enjoy his company."
The pair are both in their late seventies and remain loyal parkrun participants.
Mr Anderson said he thinks Mr McTiernan is an absolute legend and is a big part of his motivation.
"Approaching his eighth decade, a few years my senior, and the most elderly of the regular Dubbo participants, Ray has become part of my motivation to persist with exercise as the years advance," he said.
Peter was first persuaded by John Robins, his physiotherapist and son-in-law who is also a Dubbo parkrun run director, to enter the 5.5k Dingo Dash at the Dubbo Stampede running festival.
"He set me a training regime and, having successfully completed the Stampede challenge a couple of times, his encouragement saw me at the first parkrun," he said.
"After the first time I was hooked."
"I have always tried to keep reasonably fit and have always walked daily throughout my life," he said.
For Mr McTiernan, it was his health that led him to take part.
"In 2013 I had a setback with my health and had to slow down in my activities," he said.
"Then in 2015, I read a newspaper article about parkruns and seeing one was to commence in Dubbo and after advice from my cardiologist I decided to join."
For both Mr Anderson and Mr McTiernan the atmosphere of the Dubbo parkrun group is a breath of fresh air.
"I enjoy the other participants company, the jokes and the whole environment," Ray said.
Mr Anderson said there is a certain element to the parkrun he finds relaxing.
"It's a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, the freedom to walk, jog, run without expectation to perform except for whatever pressure one places upon oneself," he said.