Meet The Founder
Hi, I’m Ava! I started Sunrise Social Club out of a simple love for movement, community, and chasing the sunrise. What began as a small run with friends while studying abroad in Sydney, Australia has grown into a space where people come together to move, connect, and share good energy.
I believe fitness should be something that brings people together instead of keeping them in competition. Whether we’re running across bridges, hiking at sunrise, or grabbing coffee after a workout, the best part of this journey has been the friendships formed along the way!
Sunrise Social Club is more than a run, it’s a community built on positivity, connection, and celebrating the little moments (like the perfect sunrise 🌞).
I’m so grateful you’re here, and I can’t wait to keep chasing the sun with you!
original sunrise social club
Sydney, Australia
I started Sunrise Social Club while studying abroad in Sydney. I shared my sunrise runs on social media, and soon after, my new friends began joining me for runs from Bondi to Bronte, always followed by an ocean dip and coffee. As the group grew, we gave it a name, Sunrise Social Club, and opened it up for anyone to join.
return to the united states
Richmond, Virginia
When I came back to the US to finish my senior year at University of Richmond, I decided to start a new chapter of Sunrise Social Club. For years, I had run over the Huguenot Bridge at sunrise alone, so I invited anyone to join me for my favorite part of the day. To my surprise, 25 people showed up at the first 6am sunrise run, and we've continued to build the community through weekly runs and social events
outer banks edition
OBX, North Carolina
After graduation, I moved back to the Outer Banks for my third summer working as a surf instructor. I've always struggled to make friends on the island, so I decided to start another chapter of Sunrise Social Club (while a great team of girls led the Richmond run club).
This time, I created an all girls walking group that meets every Saturday at sunrise. After each sunrise walk, I host a free pop up cafe out of the bed of my truck.
My dream is to have a cafe of my own, so this gives me great practice building the community & serving up specialty coffees :)
ssc merch
Designing My First Collection
Throughout the summer, I worked with my favorite surf artists to create designs that capture my deep love for the ocean, the sun, coffee and the people who make this community so special. All items are printed and emboidered locally on the Outer Banks, and it has been a treat to be deeply engaged in the production process.
So, What's Next?
Sunrise Social Club will continue in Richmond, while I am working on an exciting project for Summer 2026...
Hint: ☕🌞🛻🌊