What do you get when you combine a love of fitness, a passion for community and boundless energy? Meet Tatton Bouras, co-founder of the Ballito Social Run Club, underwater hockey player for South Africa, lawyer, and all-around inspiration.
Running has always been a part of Tatton’s life, and she’s inspired by her mom, who has run the Comrades Marathon. But starting a running club wasn’t just about staying fit; it was about building connections in her relatively new home, Ballito. “When I moved here three years ago, I didn’t know anyone,” she says. “Making friends as an adult can be hard, especially for women. I wanted to create a space where anyone could come and feel welcomed, no matter their fitness level.”
The Ballito Social Run Club, established in September last year, quickly became that safe space. Every Thursday, a group of about 20 women gathers to run, walk, shuffle or stroll. “There’s no pressure. If you want to push a stroller, bring your dog, or just walk, that’s perfectly okay,” Tatton says. “It’s about moving your body, boosting your mental health, and finding community.”
Making friends as an adult can be hard, especially for women. I wanted to create a space where anyone could come and feel welcomed, no matter their fitness level.
But Tatton’s vision for the club extends beyond running. After each session, local women-owned businesses or service providers present their offerings, creating a supportive network. “It’s been incredible to see women not only connect socially but also professionally,” she says.
When Tatton isn’t leading the charge on Thursday mornings, she’s in the water, representing South Africa in the niche sport of underwater hockey. “It’s such an odd sport,” she laughs. “But it’s played all over the world, and I’ve been lucky to travel for tournaments and play with some amazing teams.”
Tatton also balances her passions with a demanding career as a lawyer and a side hustle as a fitness instructor at Kico Life in Ballito. The rewards of her many roles lie in the connections she fosters. “Seeing someone come out of their shell, make friends, or find confidence through the club is amazing. It’s not about me; it’s about creating a safe space where women (or anyone who identifies as female) feel like they belong.”
Whether it’s out on the promenade, in the water, or in her legal career, Tatton embodies a mantra she shares with her runners: “You are more than enough, just as you are.”
Want to join the Ballito Social Run Club? There’s no membership fee – just come as you are. The group meets at Seattle Coffee at Ballito Steps at 5:30am every Thursday morning. Keep an eye on their Instagram page for updates.
Details: IG: @ballito_social_run_club
Photograph: PAGIEL CHETTY
