Corremos Sacramento: Building Community One Step at a Time

In the heart of California’s capital city, Sacramento, an inclusive running community is changing lives and creating space for those who have long felt invisible in the running world. Corremos Sacramento isn’t just another run club…it shows what happens when passion meets purpose, when representation becomes reality, and when running becomes a vehicle for community transformation.

Finding Home in the Running Community

For Dalia Ramirez-Robles, a co-founder of Corremos Sacramento, journey began with a longing for connection. Having moved from a small, conservative town in Central California to Sacramento in 2020, Dalia was looking for belonging during a time when most run clubs were not meeting due to the pandemic.

“In the midst of 2020, I was transitioning my life, starting over, not knowing anyone, and winter on top of the lockdown in this new city- I was alone” Dalia recalls. This transition period became the foundation for what would eventually grow into Corremos Sacramento.

The spark ignited during a Hispanic Heritage 5K event co-hosted by Fleet Feet and a national group called Latinos Run. As Dalia describes the moment, “The day of the event came and I was surrounded by Latinos. I thought to myself that this was what I was looking for. It felt almost like home in a way.”

That powerful feeling of belonging led Dalia to connect with a couple of like-minded runners, and together they decided to start a more localized group. By Summer 2022, they laid the foundation for Corremos Sacramento.

“The co-founders of Corremos Sacramento wanted to focus more on what is happening in our running community locally,” Dalia explains.

Creating Space for Everyone

Corremos Sacramento emerged with a clear mission: to create an inclusive space for Latino, BIPOC, and historically underrepresented folks in the running community. The club welcomes runners of all body types, paces, and experience levels.

“I’m not small-bodied. I’m a very average to slower pace runner. So I definitely wanted inclusiveness for walkers, runners, new people,” says Dalia. This philosophy shapes everything about how the club operates.

Their consistency has been key to their success. Every Monday at 6:30 pm, Corremos Sacramento hosts their “Monday Miles.” During spring and summer, they meet at Land Park, where runners can choose between routes of varying distances. In the fall and winter months, they relocate to McKinley Park, which offers a one-mile loop that allows members to keep an eye on each other when it’s dark.

What makes Corremos Sacramento special is their “choose your own adventure” approach. As Dalia describes, “You choose your pace, you choose your distance. Basically, you choose how many laps you do and you choose your pace.”

This flexibility creates a welcoming environment where no one feels pressured or left behind. The post-run gatherings are equally important, featuring everything from popsicles (courtesy of “Auntie Sue”) to occasional adult beverages, creating the perfect setting for connection and community-building.

Beyond Running: Building Deep Connections

While many run clubs focus on growth in numbers, Corremos Sacramento has different priorities. “We don’t have ambitions to be a big run club. We want to be a deep run club,” Dalia emphasizes.

This depth manifests in addressing barriers that prevent people from running. The club recognizes that running gear—from shoes to sports bras—can be prohibitively expensive for many. Their goal is to ensure all members have access to quality equipment that supports their running journey.

“There are financial barriers and there’s just life barriers,” Dalia explains. “Running is a good antidote for a lot of the harshness of life. People might have mental health issues or physical health [issues]. We want them to feel welcomed and not kept out with a fake gate.”

This holistic approach to wellness through running has earned Corremos Sacramento recognition in the community. Dalia was recently honored as one of the year’s “Latino change makers in the Sacramento region” for her work with the club. The Sacramento Running Association, which organizes the California International Marathon, welcomes her input on inclusivity initiatives.

“I feel very respected by them, which blows my mind,” Dalia says. “Anytime that I share an idea for inclusivity or culture, they listen, they’re engaged.”

Transformative Experiences

The true impact of Corremos Sacramento is measured not in miles run but in lives changed. Dalia shares stories of members who have achieved goals they once thought impossible—from completing first half marathons to tackling full marathons.

One particularly moving example involves a more reserved member. After completing the Oakland Marathon with support from club members who traveled to cheer him on, something transformed.

“The way he lit up when he ran past us, and he was even cheering… I got so choked up because it was transformative race ,it was clear and obvious,” Dalia recounts

These moments of connection and transformation are what drive the club forward.

Leadership With Heart

As Corremos Sacramento has grown, so has its leadership team. Now an official nonprofit, the club is led by a diverse group who share the vision of community and support.

Abel Rodriguez, the vice president, represents an important contrast to Dalia—he’s a Chicano lawyer and Boston Marathon qualifier. “I really appreciate leading with this contrast… I’m slower and on the heavier side . Then we have this Boston qualifier and we’re both leading from love and support,” Dalia says.

Other key leaders include Mariana with her “Baila Fit” expertise, Edgar as the “numbers guy” handling finances, and Francina, a Latina yoga instructor who supports social media outreach.

“I’m really grateful to have them as leaders. They lead from love and from wanting to see others also have running transform their lives,” Dalia shares.

Looking Forward

The journey of Corremos Sacramento continues to unfold. With their new nonprofit status, they hope to develop systems to further support members financially. They’re also building relationships with other Latino-led run clubs across the region, collaborating to get runners to major events like the San Francisco Marathon and the California International Marathon.

Through it all, the focus remains on creating a space where everyone feels welcome, represented, and capable of achieving their goals. As running continues to transform lives one step at a time, Corremos Sacramento is an example of what’s possible when an inclusive community comes first.