You Won't Believe What Happens When This Local Run Club Unites Fitness, Fun, and Friendship—Join Before It's Too Late!

As the new year dawns, a wave of resolutions often sweeps across the nation, with many aiming to shed pounds, get fit, or explore new interests. Yet, for countless individuals, these ambitions can fizzle out within weeks. However, one run club in the San Fernando Valley is defying this trend, experiencing steady growth since its inception in early 2025. As 2026 begins, they find themselves with the largest membership to date, thanks largely to their welcoming atmosphere.

Sharlene Diaz, a 36-year-old mother from San Fernando, embarked on her running journey in 2011. Her experiences with other running clubs, which she described as “kind of intimidating,” led her to approach the sport with trepidation. “Even though they would say, ‘We’re [for] all paces,’ they were actually super fast … [but] I’m not a really fast runner,” she noted. A friend introduced her to Run Culture last fall, and, to her surprise, she found an environment that felt inviting right from the start.

“There were a lot of people, I was actually really impressed by how many showed up, and I could tell right away it was very welcoming,” Diaz said. Such sentiments are echoed by Veronica Peralta, a 35-year-old mother of two from Panorama City. “Even if you have no background in running, it’s okay – everybody’s welcome at Run Culture,” she asserted, adding that the club fosters a “family-like” feeling among its members.

Peralta, who often finds herself among the last to finish races, appreciates the support she receives from fellow runners. “The [Run Culture] team will wait for me, they’ll check in on me,” she said, reflecting the club’s core philosophy that emphasizes inclusivity. “We start together, we finish together,” said coach Jose Romero, reinforcing this commitment to supporting all participants.

Interestingly, Ezequiel Cruz, one of the club's co-leaders, never envisioned himself in a run club. Once an avid weight lifter, Cruz had long avoided running, adhering to the belief that “cardio kills gains.” However, a challenge from a friend to compete in a half-marathon in 2024 changed his perspective. The thrill of crossing the finish line inspired him to train for another half-marathon, leading him to invite others to join his newfound passion.

What began as a casual gathering of 12 friends in February 2025 quickly blossomed into something much larger. By March, 70 people showed up for their next run at Lake Hollywood, and by April, the numbers swelled to over 120 participants at Lake Balboa. “From the first run to the next, the crowd more than quadrupled in size,” Cruz recalled, realizing they had tapped into a significant interest within the community.

Now, Run Culture boasts over 5,200 followers on Instagram and hosts multiple free running and fitness events each week across the San Fernando Valley and beyond, including popular spots like Griffith Park and the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. “What started as a small group of friends running together has become a true community built on encouragement, consistency, and showing up for one another,” Romero said.

The club's ethos resonates with many, particularly those who may feel marginalized in traditional sports settings. “One thing we hear all the time is, ‘You guys are a vibe and have great energy,’” Romero added, emphasizing their commitment to welcoming individuals from all backgrounds and fitness levels. Peralta found her experience at Run Culture refreshing. “When I finally decided to check them out, I was met with smiles; the people were so friendly,” she remarked.

Both Peralta and Diaz actively involve their children in the club’s activities, viewing it as a way to set a positive example about fitness and resilience. “My son likes running hill sprints with me,” Diaz said. “I think it’s good for him to see that it’s normal that [his] mom runs and that [his] mom works out, and [he] can do hard things, too.”

Run Culture offers a variety of weekly events, including Long Run Saturdays with options for both long and short distances, Thursday group runs, and hill sprints. Starting in February, they will introduce strength training classes to further support their members. The club also hosts a monthly 5K social run, attracting nearly 300 participants last month.

“We’ve built a great team,” said Romero, expressing their desire to continue expanding the community while maintaining their free events. Cruz's vision is to encourage individuals who never thought they would run to do just that, often bringing their families along for the experience. “To me, that is priceless,” he concluded.

As Run Culture continues to evolve, it stands as a testament to the power of community and the joy of running, proving that the sport can be accessible and enjoyable for everyone. For more information about Run Culture and their upcoming events, visit their Instagram page at www.instagram.com/runculture.rc.