[ SSR - History ]

Southside Runners has been established in Sutherland since 1997. Southside, since February 2006, is under new management and is owned and operated by Mr Trent Wood. Trent and his team have introduced many innovative changes to the services offered and the range of products available to better cater for the needs of athletes in the area. Trent is an accomplished Duathlete, distance runner, and road racing cyclist. There is more about this below.

Trent and his team at Southside Runners will continue the traditionof service and expertise but will be enhancing the range of products and services available, based on your needs and requirments, to ensure that you can compete at your optimal level.

Southside has a proud history in the Shire and surrounding districts and we will continue to enhance our reputation. Southside Runners has historically been involved in little atheletics, running clubs and Triathlon clubs in the area and will expand this involvement into the future.

Trent is the latest of 3 generations of the Wood family that have accomplished athletic achievement. The first of these 3 generations represented Australia at the Empire Games (now the Commonwealth Games). John Wood, Trent's Grandfather, was a competitor in the marathon at the Empire Games of 1938. John qualified for the Games by winning the Australian Marathon Championships in 1937. John came 6th in the Empire Games Marathon with a time of 2hrs 58mins, which back in 1938 was an extremely competitive time.

His achievements were emulated by his son Ken, Trent's Dad, who continually participated in distance running and cycling throughout his life. Ken was committed to the sport of running and cycling with daily training regimes in both sports. Ken's commitment was instilled in Trent at a young age.

Trent is the third generation of Woods' to accomplish major athletic achievements. Trent started his athletic career in primary school.

Trent won numerous school based cross country championships which propelled him to NSW State and Australian national running championships ranging from 1500m – 5000m on track. Trent won many of these events consistently.

Success at these events propelled him to achieve numerous state and National Cross Country titles throughout his late teens.

Trent has represented Australia at many international cross country and track events, including being the Australian representative at World Duathlon championships in 1999 in Huntersville South Carolina in the USA and in 2000 at Calias, France. Trent continues to compete and train; persuing his interest in road cycling and continuing his love of Duathlon.

Trent has sustained his involvement in athletic pursuits off the track in the sports industry, working for several years with sports apparel distibutors and manufacturers, and advising on the suitability of the apparel for the sport it has been designed for.

Trent has now moved into his latest sporting endeavour which is to advise on and supply the best shoes and clothing to amateur and professional athletes, and recreational customers at his shop - Southside Runners.