Richmond Running Club Launched for Local Latino Community
Founded in spring 2026, the group provides a dedicated space for runners of all levels to gather and train.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Running
Live Poll
Do you feel local clubs and organized groups successfully strengthen connections within your neighborhood?
In spring 2026, organizers Jennifer Gomez and Mani Villarreal established Buen Paso, a running club based in Richmond. The group provides a inclusive space for local Latino runners to meet at Little Mexico on 1328 W. Cary St.
Why it matters
The club was created to address the need for a dedicated environment for Latino athletes in the Richmond area. By offering structured running routes, it encourages regular physical activity through community support.
The club launched in spring 2026 with 20 initial participants gathering for its inaugural event. Organizers facilitate two-mile and three-mile distance options, though the long-term impact on community health metrics remains to be tracked.
The players
Jennifer Gomez
Co-founder of the Buen Paso running club who initiated the group to serve the Latino community in Richmond.
Mani Villarreal
Co-founder of the Buen Paso running club who helped establish the group in spring 2026.
Rosio Garcia
Co-owner of the Little Mexico restaurant who provided the meeting space for the run club.
The details
The club organizes group runs from its base at Little Mexico on 1328 W. Cary St. Participants can choose between two-mile and three-mile routes, catering to different fitness levels. Planning for the initiative began in winter 2025, when the founders secured the meeting location through a partnership with restaurant co-owner Rosio Garcia.
Timeline
Winter 2025: Founders initiated planning for the run club.
Spring 2026: The Buen Paso run club was officially launched.
Every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.: Scheduled meeting time for the club.
Every Sunday at 8:30 a.m.: Scheduled meeting time for the club.
Health Landscape
Buen Paso represents a growing trend of affinity-based run clubs that organize physical activity around community identity. It operates within a landscape of informal sports groups that aim to increase long-term adherence to exercise by prioritizing social connection.
The club offers accessible two-mile and three-mile routes suitable for those looking to start or maintain a consistent cardiovascular routine. If you are interested in joining, consider discussing your personal physical fitness goals with a doctor before starting a new group exercise program.
The takeaway
Group running is a proven strategy to boost exercise motivation through collective accountability. New participants should verify their current fitness level with a clinician and consider start-up training protocols before joining a group distance run.
Further reading
For more on building consistent exercise habits, check out the Running section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by 8News.
Live Poll
Do you feel local clubs and organized groups successfully strengthen connections within your neighborhood?
