Open up TikTok or X, formerly known as Twitter, and you will find a steady stream of viral content makers declaring run clubs being the new dating apps or thirst-trap opportunities for singles. Others have touted run clubs as a way to make friends.
But while most run clubs do naturally present an open co-ed space for ones to meet the love of their life or their next bestie, many Black, Latino and Asian runners in Los Angeles say the reason why their run clubs are growing is much deeper.
It’s a safe space. It’s community-driven. It’s more than just a run club.
It’s a place where all people, like Lauren Turner who describes herself as a “curvy runner” with a “mom-bod,” feel included in a sport, whose industry has long been predominantly white, thin and competitive, even in film, TV and magazines.
For decades, the list of runners of African descent who have dominated the track in both sprinting and long-distance Olympic races has been long. Even right now, many Americans are crossing their fingers for track athletes like Noah Lyles and Sha’Carri Richardson to take home the gold at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.
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Black Americans, Jamaicans, Kenyans and others in the African diaspora may be prominent in the most competitive spaces, but that doesn’t mean that regular folks are represented fully in the general running industry. According to the 2023 Running USA’s Global Running survey, only 4.8% of long distance runners in the U.S. are Black, even though there is a long history of Black Americans like Ted Corbitt and Marilyn Bevans who have made an impact in the field.
Things are changing, especially in L.A. where there's a distinct culture around fitness and appearance.
People are scouring this sprawling region to find community, representation and inclusivity, and running groups led by Black, Asian and Latino runners are leading the pack.
Read more at LAist: How BIPOC-led run clubs are fostering community and inclusivity in LA
Getting back into the groove
When Turner, a former competitive athlete in college, tried to jump back into running after having three sons, she hit a hard reality: she couldn’t run faster than a 16-minute mile (which is a slower pace for folks in athletics). She was hoping to get back into running and staying healthy, but found it difficult to do by herself, especially in postpartum and while working as a clinical social worker.
I was weighing the most I've ever weighed in my life. When you weigh more than you're used to, and you're carrying around all that extra weight, it's really hard to move your body the way that you used to move it.
While her third son was still in a stroller and she was still breastfeeding, she decided to check out the Keep It Run Hundred club after a friend recommended the group. Keep It Run Hundred was founded in 2018 by a then-30-year-old from South Central named Alrick “Butta” Augustine who found motivation to lose his “dad weight.”
Turner is now one of the dozens of runners who consistently meet up in Inglewood on Thursdays as part of Keep It Run Hundred.
The growing popularity of running clubs
When Turner, who is also from South Central, first visited the run club she was nervous, she says, but she yearned for a space to have community support while taking care of her body.
“I was super scared, because I was like, ‘Damn, I'm super slow,’” Turner says.
But when she finished her first run, her perspective started to shift.
“I was like, ‘Whoa,’” Turner says. “There are so many Black and brown people ready to run at night in my neighborhood. I feel so safe with all of them. It really helped me to be able to keep hope and have support during the pandemic, when I did feel really alone and didn't have as much social support, especially around parenting. Meeting some other moms that were in a similar life stage was also really dope.”
Racial disparities in the running community
There are still major racial issues in the running community.
White men killed a 25-year-old Black man named Ahmaud Arbery who was running in a Georgia neighborhood in 2020. After that hate crime, the Run with Maud movement started.
According to a recent survey from the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, an organization which aims to improve “inclusion, visibility and access” of racially/ethnically diverse people in the running industry, runners of color reported feeling significantly less safe at trail and road races than white runners. And while 93% of running industry organizations say they are committed to racial justice and DEI efforts, 59% don’t track progress and goals and only 14% publish their goals publicly, according to the RIDC.
Earlier this year, a Black-led running club filed a lawsuit against Boston Marathon organizers for discrimination during the 2023 race. Recently, Harlem Run founder and the author of Running While Black Alison Mariella Désir expressed her disappointment with a trail and ultrarunning equity working group that published an article that only included the progress of white women.
Even though there have been run clubs, like L.A. Leggers, that have existed for decades, 13 of the most prominent Black, Asian and Latino-led run clubs in L.A. County have sprouted in the last 11 years, according to run club leaders’ survey responses. Seven of the run clubs surveyed were founded in the past seven years.
Chris Bordenave, who was born and raised in South Central, says the growth of BIPOC run clubs in L.A. has been in the last few years has been powerful and impactful to see.
Bordenave went from being the only Black kid who ran on his cross country team in high school to being on billboards across L.A. in Nike campaigns. He manages Santa Monica’s Blue Ribbon Sports, Nike’s first running specialty store, which he says serves as a “sanctuary for runners.” In his role as a part of Nike L.A., he works with six run clubs as partners — Keep It Run Hundred, Koreatown Run Club, Girl Gang Crazy, Good Vibes Track Club, Running Mamis and Her Sports.
He said that he was introduced to the run club community with Keep It Run Hundred in 2018. Joining the club reignited a spark in him.
Running was just so transformative. It just changed my life.
He says that there was already a trend with run clubs pre-pandemic, but once the pandemic hit, it sparked a mass exodus from couches to the streets of L.A.
“Things were closed, things were shut down, and people just were stuck in their own little bubbles at home, and they needed something to get out, to take this anxiety, channel it in a positive and proper way,” Bordenave says. With running, you don’t need a track. All you need is some shoes and depending on what type of person you are, some music and your phone or watch to track you.”
He says that once COVID restrictions started lifting people started to realize how they’ve grown emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. He also saw another trend: corporate brands taking notice and hosting special events in collaboration with local run clubs.
“We're L.A., one of the cultural capitals of the world,” Bordenave says. “So anything we do out here is always going to be bigger. It's going to be more expansive, you know, than other cities.”
Run clubs offer community too
Mariah Dyson is the founder of Girl Gang Crazy, a nonprofit organization that aims to offer an inclusive space for women through not only marathon training programs, but through a variety of events centered around mindfulness. Dyson, a former sprinter, started running long distance after living in New York for some time.
GGC started in 2019, but then the pandemic shut everything down. But the group was still able to engage with each other virtually through challenges on the Nike Running Club app until they could safely meet together in person again.
Dyson says she created a marathon training program and has been training more and more women every season. Along with creating experiences in movement in sport through marathon training, she says another pillar of GGC is creating experiences in mindfulness.
GGC members, often called “gworls,” have learned how to surf with Intrsxtn Surf, have taken self-defense classes and have volunteered for local non-profits.
When asked how she feels about the space that she’s created, Dyson says it’s exciting because she’s made many new friends. And she’s learned not to take that for granted.
Every time I have a conversation with anyone that comes to GGC, it feels divine. It feels like we were supposed to meet. If nothing else, you feel connected to the space. You feel connected to your own body and your own new power that you're finding. I just kind of feel like it's something I'm supposed to do.
Turner says that through the run club and the mom runners who supported her, Turner finished her first L.A. marathon in 2021 in six hours.
“It was really amazing to see the kids there at the end,” she says. “They saw me finish. And that was [the] big part of my motivation, to show them that your mom is a woman that can do anything she puts her mind to.”
24 BIPOC-led, inclusive run clubs in LA
Black, Latino and Asian run club leaders shared with LAist how their run clubs have grown and what makes them inclusive. All of these run clubs have been in existence for 11 years or less.
1. Keep It Run Hundred (IG: @keepitrunhundred)
- Founder: Alrick “Butta” Augustine
- Meeting information: Tuesdays in Veteran’s Park in Culver City at 7 p.m., Thursdays at Sip & Sonder in Inglewood, Sundays at Playa Del Rey at 6 a.m.
- Average weekly numbers: Tuesday 75-100; Thursdays 100+; Sundays 15-25
- How it’s grown: “There has been a big push recently and I attribute that to social media.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “We have all levels of walkers and runners that come out. It’s about community and being supported and motivated by people you don’t even know.”
2. Girl Gang Crazy (IG: @girlgangcrazy)
- Founder: Mariah Dyson
- Meeting information: Tuesdays at Santa Monica College’s Corsair Stadium at 7 p.m. Thursday and Saturday are various locations and times.
- Average weekly numbers: 200 to 300 people that come between Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
- How it’s grown: GGC’s first in-person training season cohort had 30 women. “The numbers are growing organically. It's fun to see because there's so many girls that never thought they could do it.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “There's always a pace and a space for everybody.” Before runs, the group is split into different pace levels ranging from a 7-minute pace to a 14-minute and above “sexy pace.”
3. Movement Runners (IG: @movementrunners)
- Founder: Kit John
- Meeting information: Tuesdays at Loqui in Playa Vista at 7 pm
- Average weekly numbers: Between 25-50
- How it’s grown: “Running has changed so many of my runners' lives that they have started running 5Ks, full marathons and even Ultra marathons. When you complete a great and challenging race, your confidence boosts and you start to realize you are a lot more capable of many things you thought were NOT possible.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “Since the beginning 10 years ago I have always told my crew we all start to finish and no man left behind. We don't worry about speed, it is NOT an individual thing but family-oriented, we all look out for one another as ONE.”
4. Koreatown Run Club (IG: @koreatownrunclub)
- Founder: Duy Nguyen
- Meeting information:
- Mondays at 7 p.m. 3 or 5 Mile option — Meets Wilshire/Oxford
- Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. Meets at LACC Rainbow Track, Parking Lot 3
- Thursdays at 8 p.m. 3 or 5-mile option - Meets at Love Hour 532 S. Western Ave.
- Saturday Long Runs: Locations, mileage, times vary, TBD every week via IG
- Average weekly numbers: 800
- How it’s grown: “We attract a lot of new runners. When people see us on the streets or on social media, they can see themselves running with us because we probably look like them.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “I won't pretend that running with us is not intimidating. Going to something new, where everyone is seemingly more ‘experienced or faster’ is definitely difficult. But I think what we do a good job at is making it fun and welcoming. Once you're here, you realize how much we care for each other.”
5. Compton Run Club (IG: @comptonrunclub)
- Founder: Ray Harvey
- Meeting Information:
- Tuesdays (Summer only) at 6 p.m. at Patria Coffee Roasters- 108 N Alameda St., Compton
- Saturdays at 7:45 a.m. at Patria Coffee Roasters
- Average weekly numbers: 45 people on Tuesdays, 85 people on Saturdays
- How it’s grown: “I believe just staying consistent and word-of-mouth has helped a lot. We also do collaborations and activations with different organizations in Compton and around Compton.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “We do scholarship fundraisers, park cleanups, wellness, events, and more. We understand that running may be new to a lot of people in our community, so we also emphasize education and providing resources.”
6. WalkGoodLA’s RunGoodLA (IG: @walkgoodla)
- Leader: Tiffaney Danielle
- Meeting information: The WalkGood Yard (4019 W Pico Blvd.)/Wednesdays/6 p.m.
- Average weekly numbers: 90
- How it’s grown: "WalkGood LA began as a 5K protest against racial violence in 2020, and so the evolution of RunGood has been incredible to witness. We run together, support each other, and make sure everyone finishes. In 2024, we began to offer two paces for the 5K run, to allow for both a competitive pace and the "sexy" pace. The energy and support has always been there, but now it's been amplified.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “We are a Black and Brown-led organization that creates safe spaces for healing and wellness for underserved communities, anyone that has ever been othered. No matter what option people choose, they do not have to fear being left behind to complete the distance on their own. Everyone is celebrated.”
7. BlacklistLA (IG: @blacklistla)
- Founder: Erik Valiente
- Meeting information: Monday art run @ 8 p.m. usually in DTLA. Wednesday Tracklist @ 7 p.m. at Crenshaw. Thursday LISTA @ 7 p.m. in Mid City. Saturday long run @ 7 a.m. usually at Griffith Park. You can find our run details at @blacklistla.runschedule or www.blacklistla.org
- Average weekly numbers: 150
- How it’s grown: “Over the years, we've introduced a total of seven community programs to keep Angelenos active and moving. We are also a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that utilizes running to promote community, art discovery, and inspire healthy living in Los Angeles.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “BlacklistLA is unique because we merged art with running in 2013. The art was intentional, not only to explore Los Angeles and show love to artists beautifying our streets, but also to motivate runners to lace up and run. All of our Board Members, Run Captains, and Community Ambassadors live in the places we serve, so we understand the lay of the land and how to motivate underrepresented communities in LA.”
8. Sunday Runday LA (IG: @sundayrunday_la)
- Founder: Dominique Bellamy
- Meeting information: 868 S Olive St., Los Angeles, CA 90014 - Sundays - 9 a.m. (subject to change, check IG)
- Average weekly numbers: 30
- How it’s grown: “The first few months, the numbers could vary between 5-12 people. I regularly heard people come out because they saw us on Instagram. We did a few things such as collaborating with run clubs, choosing different start locations, and having some themed runs such as Sunday Runday in the Park, where we had a mobile coffee stand, games, and DJ after the run. I think the biggest exposure came when we entered a team in The Speed Project.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “When running downtown, there are several stop lights for us to take a break and allow others to catch up if needed. At the start of the run, we go around and introduce ourselves to the group and ask a fun fact question. We all look out for each other to make sure everyone makes it through the run. Afterwards you can hang out/socialize at the coffee shop. And sometimes during the summer months, we add brunch options post-run for those interested.”
9. South Central Run Club (IG: @southcentral.run)
- Founder: Zaakiyah Brisker
- Meeting information: Thursdays @ 6:45 p.m. & Sundays @ 7 a.m. - meeting locations highlight gems in South Central and rotate
- Average Weekly Numbers: 30 people
- How it’s grown: It started from 5-10 members to over 50 active members with more participants joining special events and community runs like Hood Beer Run and Ghetto Running Day. They have local community engagement events and holistic wellness activities.
- Why it’s inclusive: SCRC is open to all paces.
10. Recovery Run (IG: @recoveryrun_)
- Founder: Angel Riser
- Meeting information: Edward Vincent Park 400 Warren Lane, Inglewood, CA 90301 7 a.m. every Saturday
- Weekly attendance numbers: 20
- How it’s grown: “Women have invited friends and family, which has also encouraged community building. The ladies show up every week and authentically release whatever they’ve gone through during the week. We also have been intentional with connecting with each other, especially during the post run/walk brunch.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “Recovery Run is a special space because we really allow everyone to come as they are. No brand deals, promotions, or marketing.”
11. Black Men Run - LA (IG: @bmrlosangeles)
- Leaders: Lawrence Gilliam & Stacey Frantela
- Meeting information: Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. from the Metaphor Club in Leimert Park or Playa Provisions in Playa Del Rey
- Average weekly numbers: 10
- How it’s grown: “In the beginning, there were just a couple of guys that met on various days of the week to get a run in. We saw an increase during the pandemic as people focused on fitness over other social activities.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “Black Men Run champions a healthy lifestyle and brotherhood. We advocate for physical and mental fitness. We are a safe space for Black men to run/walk, fellowship and mentor. All paces and all levels of experience are welcome.”
12. Latinos Run Los Angeles (IG: @latinosrunlosangeles)
- Leader: Rob Kaity
- Meeting information: Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Crenshaw and Coliseum
- Average weekly numbers: 15-30
- How it’s grown: “In the beginning, my friends supported me and showed up to run. Maybe about 10 runners and some walkers arrived. Slowly more and more runners began to arrive. I’m a bit sure that the tacos post run may have a bit to do with it. It is all word of mouth. And fliers on IG helped as well. As I reposted other run clubs for support, they would do the same for me.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “The 5K crew and walkers separate and then reunite a few times before we head back to finish. We have pacers and sweepers. We have seen amazing friendships grow. We don’t offer training. We don’t push people outside of their comfort zone. We give runners information on other clubs that they can join for training.”
13. Wolf Pack Runners (IG: @wolf_packrunners)
- Founder: Cezamee Fore
- Meeting information: Lululemon Studio City on Mondays at 7 p.m.
- Average weekly numbers: 20
- How it’s grown: “We started with 9 runners and we have 60 runners in our roster now. Taking on difficult races and sponsorships has really helped us grow and be recognized. There’s a running explosion happening and I think people see the benefit of running and training with like-minded people. This community is about so much more than fitness. It’s about inspiration, motivation, and teamwork.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “We are a ‘no runners left behind’ club and open to all paces and abilities. We meet you where you are and make you feel accepted no matter what pace you walk/run. We also organize events that are specifically created to open the doors for BIPOC communities.”
14. Run Happy Los Angeles (IG: @runhappylosangeles)
- Co-founders: Daisy Hidalgo and Krista Muscarella
- Meeting information: The Brig-Venice, Tuesday at 6 p.m.
- Average weekly numbers: 10-15
- How it’s grown: “We are very new to this, so each week when new folks join us, it is very exciting to hear how they found us. Our growth has likely been driven by community engagement, social media outreach, and the welcoming atmosphere we have created. Since we are still growing, it feels less intimidating when you show up. People know each other's names, and we take pride in caring about folks not just at the run on Tuesday but also checking in with folks outside of the Tuesday run. There is a desire for community and socializing in a healthy, outdoor setting.”
- Why it’s inclusive: “Our priority is to have fun while running and then enjoy snacks after. We offer a walk/jog/run option. The run is a little over a 5k, closer to 3.2 miles and for folks who wish to walk/jog, we have a 2-mile option. We make sure everyone knows where they are going and, most importantly, that you do not end up alone.”
Other run groups to check out:
- 15. The Breakfast Run Club
- 16. Good Vibes Track Club
- 17. Hard Knocks Run Club
- 18. Running Mamis
- 19. KeepRunningSantaAna
- 20. Black Girls Run - LA
- 21. LISTA
- 22. Valley Runners LA
- 23. Tempo Training Run Club
- 24. LADW Pacers
