Runner Chronicles: Kevin Cruz
The Runner Chronicles
We’ve got some new names lined up for the Runner Chronicles, and this one is going to hit different. Let’s start with someone who truly has it all — creativity, drive, and vision. Someone who values community, running, staying grounded, and, most importantly, simply enjoying life. It’s about that electric intersection of creativity and movement. And that brings us straight to Kevin Cruz.
Kevin is someone who embodies the spirit we’re always chasing in these stories. A creative force, a dedicated runner, and someone who approaches life with good intentions. Based in Melbourne, Kevin is the founder of TERROR Trail Club — a renewed trail running community that’s been making serious waves in Australia and beyond. Not just for their grit on the trails, but for how they show up — unapologetically themselves, fully committed to the run and most importantly the people.
TERROR Trail Club is one that’s been featured in the visually striking Mental Athletic, and has collaborated with Satisfy Running and Arc'teryx. But here’s the thing — this isn’t a Chronicle about cool gear or stylish gear.
With Kevin, we’re diving into the art of trail running, the pursuit of personal goals, and—something that isn’t talked about enough—mental health. We talk about chasing goals, but not in the hustle culture way. This is about the goals that live closer to ourselves — the ones that push you. And let’s be real — sometimes it’s still freakin’ hard. It’s still running, after all…
And maybe most importantly, we talk about mental health. The reality of holding it all together while you’re trying to move forward — in running, in life. And in Kevin’s case, it’s all about that — not the preachy kind, but the kind that make you pause mid-run and think, yeah, this is why I do it. We gained fresh insights from someone who’s still learning, still evolving, and still chasing something bigger than themselves.
So dive in with us.
Big thanks to Kevin Cruz — for showing up, for sharing his world, and for reminding us why we lace up in the first place.
Appreciate you.
Kevin, first thing first. The introduction.
This question always gets harder for me haha. But hey world, I’m Kevin Cruz born and raised in the deep western suburbs of Melbourne. Coming from an immigrant family.
I come from a soccer background, and I’ll never forget a coach telling me I had crazy lung endurance. That stuck with me. Running found me during COVID, and since then, it’s opened up so many doors, trails, and opportunities. Here’s my story.
You started TERROR TRAIL CLUB
I started TERROR TRAIL CLUB after an idea that first came to me back in 2022. At the time, I was still early in my running journey and running with a road crew but all I saw around me were new crews popping up that focused only on pavement.
As I began to fall in love with the trails and the outdoors, I felt this pull to share it. I wanted to showcase the beauty of the trails and mountains across Victoria, and that’s how TERROR was born. I can proudly say we were one of the first trail crews in Australia to take the same energy and spirit from road crews and bring it into the trail scene.
Community has always meant everything to me. TERROR was built to help people feel more comfortable being out in nature alone and to create space where we could share knowledge, from trail tips and fueling advice to race day support.
We’re still small, growing at our own pace but I still pinch myself seeing how far it’s come. From partnering with Arc’teryx and Satisfy, to being featured in the first-ever edition of Mental Athletic massive love to Gabriele it’s been wild. And along the way, I’ve met so many amazing people and crews who inspire me. Shoutout to the Furies (Jesse), and Graverunners NZ (Connor and Logan).
I tell everyone to try trail running at least once a week. There’s something about being out in nature that just hits different. The fresh air, the quiet, the way your body moves through it all it makes me feel free. Alive. Like I’m starting over every time I step onto a trail.
Trail running, some see it as running up and down hills. Let’s change that perspective.
Spending time out there, especially for hours, is hard to explain it’s something you have to feel. When you reach the top of a climb, look out at the view, and just take it in… it feels like you’re standing inside a painting. You forget about the time, the pace, everything else. You’re just there.
And the thing is, it’s not just about the beauty. Trails make you stronger mentally and physically. That strength has helped me hit road goals I never thought I’d reach, like my sub-three marathon. I honestly don’t think I’d be the runner I am without the trails.
So yeah, it’s more than just hills. It’s a reset. It’s growth. It’s peace. If you haven’t tried trail running yet, trust me you’re missing out on something special.
You are open about struggles in the past. Let’s talk about an important subject, mental health.
I’ve been through a lot, and I’ll be the first to admit it hasn’t always been easy. Growing up, life wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I saw things no kid should ever have to see. That kind of stuff leaves a mark. It builds into something trauma and when you don’t talk about it, it bottles up. For me, it caught up in a big way as an adult. 2023 was one of the darkest times in my life. I had moments where I didn’t even want to be here anymore.
But one of the things that helped me hold on was running. Especially trail running. The trails gave me space to breathe when everything felt too heavy. Even on the days I didn’t feel 100%, even when I felt completely lost running gave me something to look forward to. A small sense of purpose. A reminder of what I can do, even in the hardest times.
That’s why I always tell people: if you’re struggling, talk about it. Speak up. Whether it’s to a friend, a loved one, or a professional don’t hold it in like I did for so long. There’s strength in being honest, in asking for help. You’re not weak for feeling things. You’re human.
The running community has changed a lot in the last few years it’s more open now, more honest. People are finally starting to talk about what’s going on behind the smiles and finish lines. And I think that’s so important. Running can be a lifeline. It doesn’t fix everything but it helps. It reminds you of who you are, and what you’re capable of. And sometimes, that’s enough to get through the next day.
The current running scene, where creativity can meet sports.
It’s crazy to think about where running is right now. The way the community has evolved over the past few years has shaped not just my life, but so many others too. This new movement feels fresh, expressive, and more open than ever. And like I always say at the end of the day, we’re all just amateur runners out here having fun, meeting new people, and connecting through something we all love.
What really blows my mind is the creativity. Since I started running, I’ve met some of the most creative people artists, designers, thinkers and the one thing that ties us all together is running. No matter where we’re from, it connects us.
A good example of that is when I met Alex Zono during his trip to Australia. We’d known of each other online, but once I said, “let’s hit the trails,” we clicked right away. Of course, I had to take him to my local pub for a classic Aussie chicken parmi after. But it honestly felt like we’d known each other for years that’s how powerful this running culture can be.
With TERROR, I’ve been able to express who I am my ideas, my style, and the energy I want to bring into the scene. I’d say TERROR and Furies are two clubs in Australia that are really changing the game right now. We’ve been able to inspire people, spark creativity, and bring attention to what the Australian running scene is all about. And I’m honestly just grateful to be a part of that.
Running isn’t just about pace or performance anymore it’s become a space where sport meets self-expression. And that’s something really special.
What was a running dream come true?
Building a running community, making genuine friendships through it, and doing something I truly love every day that’s the dream. And I’m living it.
I’m so grateful I get to wake up, run through mountains and trails, and share that experience with others. To show people the freedom, the peace, the joy that I’ve found out there that’s everything to me.
The fact that I’ve been able to inspire others just by doing what I love… it’s honestly hard to put into words. It’s humbling. It’s powerful. It reminds me why I started and why I’ll never stop.
That’s the dream come true. Not just running, but running with people. Building something real. And watching it grow.
“Running isn’t just about pace or performance anymore it’s become a space where sport meets self-expression. And that’s something really special.”
Best advice you’ve received, ever?
Honestly, it’s not just something someone told me it’s what I’ve lived and shown through running. That you can do anything. We’re all just human, and we’re all capable of more than we think. But if I had to share one piece of advice that’s stuck with me the most and please don’t hate me for this it’s this you don’t need to run with music.
I know it sounds simple, but hear me out. If you’re reading this, give it a try. Not just once try it for a week. No music, no podcasts. Just you, your breath, and the rhythm of your steps.
It’s a game changer. It makes you feel more connected to your body, your surroundings, even your thoughts. It’s taught me how to truly be in the run, not just pass the time. I could go on and on about why I stopped listening to music while running, but now I just tell people try it for yourself.
Let running be your soundtrack. You might be surprised what you find out there.
