Latina Run Clubs Are the New Cafecito Hour
Move over, brunch, you’ve got some competition. Across the U.S., Latinas are trading their conchas for compression socks (okay, sometimes they still keep the conchas) and hitting the pavement in squads that are redefining what it means to run, connect, and celebrate cultura. These aren’t your average intimidating run crews where you’re scared to show up if your mile pace isn’t Olympic-level. These clubs? They’re about community, joy, and yes, perreo after miles.
Running has officially gone from solo sport to social movement, one cafecito-fueled 5K at a time. From Washington, D.C. to L.A. to Nashville, Latina-led run clubs are creating spaces where mujeres can lace up, blast Bad Bunny, and claim the streets with orgullo. Here are six clubs leading the way, each with its own flavor, vibe, and mission, but all rooted in sisterhood, cultura, and ganas.
Cafecito y Perreo Run Club
If you’ve ever wished your run came with a reggaeton afterparty, bienvenida to Cafecito y Perreo Run Club. Founded by Mayra and Gerardo Cruz, this club is all about corriendo con ganas y sin miedo—literally their tagline.
Mayra, a former school principal, started CPRC because she wanted a run space that felt Latino. “It was all my personalities in one,” she says. “I love cafecito, I love perreo, and I love running.” Turns out, so did a lot of other people. Their first run brought 50 people, and the vibe hasn’t slowed down since.
What makes them different? Inclusive pace groups named after Latin beats (merengueros, salseros, bachateros) because pasito a pasito, there’s room for everyone. They also go all out for their community runs, featuring 5Ks followed by perreo parties at Latina-owned coffee shops, live DJs, and hydration vests that double as fashion statements.
Where: Washington, D.C. (Pop-ups coming soon to Puerto Rico, L.A., and the Bay Area)
IG: @cafecitoyperreorunclub
Latina Baddie Run Club
The name says it all: this club is for the baddies who want to look good, feel good, and vibe good while logging miles, of course. Founder Kendra Gonzalez Duran first tried launching a walking club but quickly realized, “I’m a very fast walker, and my patience was running low.” So, they started running.
What started with three chicas in 2024 is now a 300-strong crew across L.A., Long Beach, San Diego, and Orange County, with East Coast chapters on the way. Their mission? Connection and culture. Imagine 150 Latinas running down Melrose blasting reggaeton, followed by a perreo DJ set. Iconic.
Their pace groups are chill. There’s a running pace (12–14 min/mile) and a walking group, so anyone can join. The magic happens post-run over cafecito, “There’s something about running together and going for coffee after that creates real connections,” Kendra says.
So yes, you’ll sweat, but you’ll also make amigas. And maybe even find yourself in a spontaneous dance circle after your cool-down.
Where: L.A., Long Beach, San Diego, OC
IG: @latinabaddierunclub
Chingonas Run Club
Alex, Ana, and Kristin founded Chingonas Run Club after realizing traditional run spaces weren’t prioritizing women’s safety. After a harmful incident shook their community, they decided to create a space where women, especially women of color, could run without fear.
The response? Over 120 women showed up for their first run. Today, they’re a powerhouse movement offering everything from monthly runs to marathon training, always centering safety, care, and comunidad.
The vibe is supportive, loud, and rooted in love. They cheer until the last runner crosses the finish, then celebrate with cafecito, pan dulce, and paletas. Their tagline says it all: Corre con corazón.
“Women tell us they feel safe here,” says Alex. “Some moms even bring strollers—it’s a space for everyone.”
Where: Chicago, IL
IG: @chingonasrunchicago_
Nash Latinas Running Club
Nashville may be known for country music, but Anahy Hinojosa is putting Latina power on the map with Nash Latinas Running Club. Started in June 2024, this club is for mujeres who want miles, cafecito, and meaningful conversation, all with a Southern twist.
Anahy’s mission? Sisterhood through movement. Runs are monthly, intentionally paced so everyone stays together, and always end with selfies and coffee. “We’re not just about pace, we’re about how you feel when you leave,” Anahy says.
They’re also big on giving back, partnering with orgs like Equal Change for Education to help DACA students. Because this isn’t just fitness, it’s activism in motion.
Where: Nashville, TN
IG: @nashlatinasrunningclub_
Latinas Run
Consider this the madrina of Latina run clubs. Founded by Maria Solis Belizaire in 2016, Latinas Run started after a simple Google search revealed zero Latino-led run spaces. Maria decided to change that, and now it’s the largest Latina-led run org in the country.
Their mission? Physical and mental wellness for the Latino community, with a strong emphasis on cultural connection. They host meetups, races, wellness events, and even virtual challenges, proving that forward is a pace (their tagline, by the way).
This is the club for you if you want flexibility because you can join local chapters or connect online. And whether you’re a walker, a sprinter, or just here for the cafecito, there’s room for you.
Where: Nationwide
IG: @latinasrunofficial
Run Like A Latina
Knoxville isn’t exactly known for Latin vibes, but Yorya and Samanta are changing that with Run Like A Latina. Founded in 2024, this crew meets weekly at sunrise (because chingonas get it done early) and occasionally on weekends for group runs.
Their vibe? Social, supportive, and empowering. Runs often end with conversations that feel like therapy, sometimes over cafecito and pan. For Yorya and Samanta, it’s about more than running; it’s about creating a safe space where Latinas can connect, laugh, and thrive.
Where: Knoxville, TN
IG: @runlikealatina
A cultural revolution
For years, running culture has lacked representation, leaving many Latinas feeling isolated or unwelcome. These crews are flipping the script, showing up boldly, and taking up space on the streets with joy, music, and community.
They remind us that running doesn’t have to be lonely or intimidating. It can be loud, colorful, empowering, and healing. It can look like cafecito in one hand and a medal in the other, or sound like laughter mixed with Bad Bunny lyrics echoing down the block.
So, the next time you’re thinking about a cafecito date, maybe lace up instead. Because the new social hour? It’s happening on the run, and trust us, you’re invited.
