Embrace your pace: Beach City run groups encourage community over competition 

“The last Sunday run of 2025.” Photo by South Bay Runners Club member Mark Minichiello

by Chelsea Sektnan

When gyms closed and routines were disrupted in March 2020, many South Bay residents turned to running to stay active and connected. Local running clubs like the South Bay Runners Club and Fit4Mom Torrance quickly became a lifeline, offering not just fitness but a sense of community.

“People gravitated toward outdoor activities because they were accessible and safe,” said Natalie Croswell, owner of Fit4Mom Torrance. “Running didn’t require a business to be open or much equipment. It was something you could do on your own time.”

Michael Weisberg, Manhattan Beach resident, race director for the Manhattan Beach 10K, and co-founder of the South Bay Runners Club, noticed the shift early on.

“During the shutdown, people formed smaller running groups,” Weisberg said. “When things reopened, some stuck with those groups. But we also saw new runners who started during the pandemic and discovered the appeal of running with a community.”

For Juan Garcia, a La Habra carpenter, and South Bay Runners Club member since 2017, running has become a personal journey of growth and self-discovery.

Garcia also brings a creative twist to his running, using his routes to spell words or create designs for special occasions.

“It started by accident,” he said. “One day, I noticed my running path looked like letters, and I thought, ‘Could I spell something?’ That’s when I started doing holiday messages like ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ or ‘Merry Christmas.’”

“Since I started, I feel like a totally different person—stronger and more alive,” Garcia said. “It changed my life.”

Lauren Powell, a Manhattan Beach resident, and South Bay Runners Club member, emphasized how accessible running is in the South Bay. 

“It’s so easy to run in Southern California because the weather is good year-round, so you don’t really have any excuses,” Powell said. “You can run on the beach—that’s an amazing place to run. The Strand is incredible. Most people in the world can’t roll out of bed and run to the beach like we can. And then there’s Palos Verdes—you can explore all the lovely streets and trails down there. It’s just an amazing place.”

The South Bay Runners Club, now celebrating its 10th year, prides itself on inclusivity.

“We’re diverse in every way—racially, economically, and by ability,” Weisberg said. “We have Olympic Trials qualifiers and runners who are just getting started. If you lace up your shoes and go out for a run, you’re part of the community.”

“All the coaches, the people just so kind, no judgment… Everybody is so supportive,” South Bay Runners club member Zalmi Orimland said. “Everything about it is completely amazing, encouraging, and supportive, you’ll always find somebody wanting to run… I found so many new friends.”

For beginners, both Croswell and Weisberg highlight the benefits of joining a running club.

“The best thing you can do is put on your shoes and go outside,” Croswell said. “But what makes it easier is accountability. Being part of a group keeps you consistent.”

“Embrace your pace,” Weisberg said. “Don’t worry about keeping up with the fastest runners. The goal is to enjoy the run and avoid injury.”

Garcia echoed this sentiment, encouraging new runners not to wait for the perfect moment to start.

“If someone wants to run, don’t wait. Just take that first step,” he said. “I waited 20 years to start running because I kept hoping someone would invite me. I don’t want anyone else to wait like I did.”

Powell advised beginners to keep it simple. 

“Just do it. You don’t have to go far—just get out and do it. Don’t overthink it,” she said.

“It’s about the journey, don’t run for your next race, it’s really about your lifestyle. There will always be more races, but if you train hard in the beginning, you’ll get injured,” Orimland said. “Train for your lifestyle and run for your life and not for your next race.”

For those looking to connect with others, the South Bay Runners Club organizes weekly runs, such as Tuesday Track Night at Mira Costa High School and a 5 a.m. Thursday morning run. Informal gatherings, such as the Wednesday “Slice & Pint Run,” which ends with pizza and beer, further add to the camaraderie.

This sense of community is especially evident in the annual Manhattan Beach 10K, founded in 1978.

“It’s a community race,” Weisberg said. “We even have 27 runners who’ve participated in every race. Families run together, and some people who ran it as kids come back to run it again.”

Powell described the South Bay running community as uplifting. 

“It’s cheaper than therapy. Running is good for the body, mind, and soul,” she said. “The people are so lovely and positive. Even when you’re not running races, you can cheer others on. It’s a wonderful community of like-minded people.”

Orimland echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the selflessness that fuels the group.

“Nobody gets paid; everybody does it out of love,” Orimland said. “Just for the love for running and passion.”

Whether you’re a mom easing back into fitness, a beginner taking your first strides, or an elite runner training for a race, the South Bay’s running clubs provide a welcoming and supportive environment.

“It’s about finding your people and enjoying the journey,” Croswell said. 

South Bay Runners Club’s Juan Garcia takes creativity to the next level, using his runs to spell out festive messages like this ‘Happy New Year 2025’ on the beach. Photo courtesy of Juan Garcia, Strava username, SoloRunner

Club Ed

clubedrunning.com

Mondays

Manhattan Beach Pier at 6:10 p.m. 8 mile run

Hermosa Beach Pier at 6:30 p.m. 5 mile run.

Wednesdays

Track Night, Coached head club coach Ed Avol. If you are new to Club Ed Running or just want to learn what it’s about, this is the workout to come to! Mira Costa High School track at 6 p.m.

Saturdays

Palos Verdes (PV) Runs. Distances 9-to-12 miles. Begin and end at the Malaga Cove Plaza (on Palos Verdes Drive West and Palos Verdes Blvd). 7:30 a.m. 

Sundays

Wood Chip Trail Runs. Valley Park in Hermosa Beach (at the corner of Valley and Gould). Distances 6-to-9 miles. Flexibility in pace,direction, and distance.

South Bay Running Clubs, Group Runs

South Bay Runners Club

SouthBayRunners.org

  • Sunday Strand Run: 7:30 a.m. from Valley Park, Hermosa Beach.
  • Tuesday Track Night: 7:00 p.m. at Mira Costa High School Track.
  • Thursday Morning Hill Run: 5:00 a.m. from the (former) 99¢ store at 190th & Anza.
  • Thursday Evening Strand Run: 5:30 p.m from the Skechers Store, Manhattan Beach.

Fit4Mom Torrance Run Club

FitForMom.com

  • Sunday Mornings: Locations rotate based on training schedules for events like the Redondo Beach Super Bowl 5K/10K.

PV Runners

@PVRunners

  • Saturday Morning Run: 7:00 a.m. from the Malaga Cove fountain, Palos Verdes Estates.

Hermosa Run Club

@HermosaRunClub

  • Wednesday Evening Runs: Meeting time varies (check their social media for updates).

Club Ed

clubedrunning.com

  • Mondays

Manhattan Beach Pier at 6:10 p.m. 8 mile run

Hermosa Beach Pier at 6:30 p.m. 5 mile run.

  • Wednesdays

Track Night, Coached head club coach Ed Avol. If you are new to Club Ed Running or just want to learn what it’s about, this is the workout to come to! Mira Costa High School track at 6 p.m.

  • Saturdays

Palos Verdes (PV) Runs. Distances 9-to-12 miles. Begin and end at the Malaga Cove Plaza (on Palos Verdes Drive West and Palos Verdes Blvd). 7:30 a.m. 

  • Sundays

Wood Chip Trail Runs. Valley Park in Hermosa Beach (at the corner of Valley and Gould). Distances 6-to-9 miles. Flexibility in pace,direction, and distance.

 

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