Dalia Ramirez-Robles Discovered Community Through Running

Photo by: Christian Murillo // @murillc_
Elite athletes and social media influencers often dominate the conversation about endurance sports. It is inevitable but if you look hard enough you will find everyday athletes doing extraordinary things. Dalia Ramirez-Robles is one of those people. She is as a refreshing voice for everyday runners and is building an inclusive running community in Sacramento, California. Recently recognized as one of the Top 20 Latino Change Makers by the Sacramento Bee, Dalia has transformed her personal running journey into a platform that creates space for runners of all backgrounds, body types, and abilities.

From Solo Runner to Community Builder

Dalia’s relationship with running began in high school when she joined the track team, but it wasn’t until 2019 that she rediscovered the sport as an adult. Unlike her teenage years, when she lacked a strong sense of self, Dalia’s return to running coincided with a desire for personal growth and connection.

Dalia started running again in 2019, and then moved to Sacramento at the end of 2020. During those early days, she trained mostly alone, not yet aware of the community aspect that would later become central to her running identity.

When Dalia moved to Sacramento during the pandemic lockdown, she found a half-marathon training group that changed everything. For the first time, she experienced the powerful combination of physical challenge and social connection that makes endurance sports so appealing.

“In terms of connection to others in running, I kind of experienced two stages,” Dalia shares. “Stage one was when I first started running again in 2019, and that was for the most part, by myself. But now I don’t think I could run alone again, now that I’ve experienced running with people that are like me.”

The Motivation Behind the Movement

What keeps someone moving forward when running gets tough? For Dalia, the answer varies depending on the challenge.

“When it gets physically hard for my body, the inspiration is just that fear of my body never being able to move again,” she says. “I just want a body that can walk and move for my entire existence.”

On days when life’s demands make it difficult to prioritize running, Dalia falls back on a simple but powerful reminder: “Go outside and move your body. Get some sun, get some fresh air, feel the benefits of the tree canopies. I think that’s the bottom line for me.”

This philosophy extends to her role as a co-founder of Corremos Sacramento, an inclusive running community that she is building from the ground up. The focus for Dalia, and the club, isn’t on speed or distance but on creating a welcoming environment. “Do people feel safe? Do people feel welcome? Do people feel belonging? I want to cultivate a space where runners and walkers know that they belong and feel like they belong.”

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Challenging Body Image and Fashion Standards

Running might seem like a simple sport requiring minimal equipment, but Dalia points out that the reality is more complicated, especially for women and those with diverse body types.

“Last summer I was pretty self-conscious,” Dalia admits. “My body’s bigger, I’ve gained weight. If I go on social media, the people that I’m seeing reflected in some of these run clubs, they don’t look like me, my weight or my size.”

The issue extends beyond comparison to practical challenges with running apparel. “Right now, the loose shorts are in. I can’t wear loose shorts. My thighs rub. I need to wear something that sticks to my body the whole time.”

Rather than trying to conform to trending styles, Dalia made a liberating decision: “You don’t have to look like that. You can just keep showing up as yourself, just wearing whatever fits and whatever is comfortable as opposed to trying to fit a fashion movement.”

This realization transformed her perspective on leadership as well. “I’m happy to be the unfashionable curvy run club leader so that people know that can show up wearing whatever they want. This isn’t a fashion show. We’re just going to move our bodies and support one another.”

The Hidden Costs of an “Inexpensive” Sport

The idea that running is an accessible, low-cost sport doesn’t always match reality. Dalia highlights how challenges like finding proper fitting sportswear can become unexpected barriers.

For women, sports bras present a particular challenge. “It’s so daunting,” Dalia explains. “I need a professional person that knows how to measure women and then match us with the appropriate supportive bra. And it’s only more difficult the larger we are.”

These practical concerns can make the sport less accessible despite its reputation for simplicity. “I’m just trying to go outside. I’m just trying to move my body. It shouldn’t be more complicated than that but it is.”

Finding Joy in the Journey

When asked what advice she would give to new runners, Dalia offers wisdom that cuts through the noise of performance metrics and social media comparisons.

“Talk to other people that kind of reflect you,” she suggests. “Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Go ask other runners, more experienced runners, about their experience.”

Most importantly, Dalia emphasizes: “Don’t take it too seriously. You don’t have to go fast. You don’t have to go far. Just enjoy the view. And engage your senses on your runs. What do you see? What do you smell? What do you feel?”

This approach extends to how she makes other physical activities enjoyable too. When working with a physical therapist on jump rope exercises, Dalia found a way to incorporate banda music—turning a potentially boring rehab exercise into something she looks forward to.

“I get to do something that’s really fun and listen to my favorite music, but then it’s actually going to improve my body and my quality of life,” she says with a smile.

The Power of Community

Perhaps the most significant lesson from Dalia’s journey is how community transforms the experience of endurance sports. What began as solo training runs has evolved into a collection of connections that keep her coming back to running even when it’s difficult.

This year, Dalia is focusing on running more races and getting close to her personal records. Yet even as she works toward individual goals, the community aspect remains central to her experience.

Endurance sports aren’t just about physical achievements, as we see through Dalia’s story. They are about creating spaces where everyone feels welcome, finding joy in movement, and building connections that go beyond the finish line.

For anyone hesitant to begin their own endurance journey, Dalia’s example offers an invitation: come as you are, find your community, and discover the joy of moving your body in the great outdoors. The starting line has room for everybody and every body.

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