Runners at the Boyle Heights 5K
Runners along the 6th Street Bridge during the Boyle Heights 5K Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. (Armando Velez / For Boyle Heights Beat)

Have you been wanting to join a running or walking club on the Eastside but don’t know where to start?

For many people, run clubs can feel intimidating, especially if you’re new to running or getting back into movement. But Eastside crews offer more than just miles, there’s also community.

Whether you’re training for your next marathon, keeping it to a no-frills walk, or simply looking to meet new people, Boyle Heights, East LA and other neighboring communities have options.

Here are the local run and walk clubs on the Eastside you can be a part of, almost every day of the week.


Boyle Heights

Cafecito Runners

The Cafecito Runners was founded by community members in February 2025 to create a safe space in Boyle Heights for those who share a love for movement and are “committed to collective care, joy and social justice.” Participants can enjoy a free cafecito after their monthly Sunday runs at Picaresca.

           Location: Picaresca Barra de Cafe (2931 East 4th St.)

           When: Every Monday and first Sunday of the month

           Time: 6 p.m. on Mondays, 8 a.m. on Sunday

           Instagram: @cafecitorunnersla

Boyle Heights Walking Club 

The Boyle Heights Walking Club is a family-friendly neighborhood walk that brings the community together. The group also emphasizes the importance of standing up for their community and spreading  “Know Your Rights” information during their walks. 

           Location: Cafe Niña (3264 East 4th St.)

           When: Every Tuesday and Thursday 

           Time: 5 p.m.

           Instagram: @bhwalkingclub4

Boyle Heights Bridge Runners

The Boyle Heights Bridge runners gather at Mariachi Plaza
The Boyle Heights Bridge runners gather at Mariachi Plaza to celebrate their 10th anniversary in 2023. (Jennifer Lopez / For Boyle Heights Beat)

The Boyle Heights Bridge Runners have been part of the community for more than 12 years. What began as a small group of local runners has grown into a community of more than 50 members. Their route starts at the corner of 1st Street and Boyle Avenue at Mariachi Plaza and crosses the Sixth Street Bridge. They offer both 2- and 3-mile running groups

           Location: Mariachi Plaza (1831 1st St.)

           When: Wednesdays

           Time: Meet at 7:45 p.m., start running at 8 p.m.

           Instagram: @boyleheightsbridgerunners


East LA

East LA Runners

The East LA Runners have been around the community for over eight years. They strive to be  “a positive, safe space for community friendships, support, safety, and running,” according to their Instagram. Parking is available in the East LA Civic Center lot. Runners of all paces are welcome. 

           Location: Belvedere Park Lake (4837 E 3rd St.)

           When: Every Tuesday

           Time: 7:15 p.m.

           Instagram: @eastlarunners

East LA Walking Club

Two members of East LA Walking Club walk down mostly dark streets
East LA Walking Club founder Brissa Sanchez (right) says that the banner she carries on walks has prompted other pedestrians to join the group mid-route. (Andrew Lopez / Boyle Heights Beat)

The East LA Walking Club launched last year and meets weekly on Wednesdays with a new walking route every month. At the beginning of each month, a new route is posted on their Instagram account. Expect to walk about 45 minutes to an hour, covering roughly 2 miles.

           Location: Different locations around East LA

           When: Every Wednesday

           Time: 6 p.m.

           Instagram: @eastla_walkclub

323 Runners 

The iconic El Pino tree serves as the home base for the 323 Runners, who started their club in 2024. They offer a 4-mile run or a 2-mile walk, and runners of all ages and paces, including fur babies, are welcome.  

           Location: El Pino (523 N Indiana St.)

           When: Every Thursday

           Time: 7 p.m.

Instagram: @323runners


El Sereno

El Sereno Runners

The El Sereno Runners started in June 2025 “to provide an opportunity for runners in El Sereno to connect” after organizers noticed their neighborhood didn’t have a running club. They run 4.5 miles around El Sereno but also offer a 3-mile option for beginners or people who enjoy a walk/run mix. 

           Location: Holy Grounds Coffee (5371 Alhambra Ave.)

           When: Every Monday

           Time: 6:30 p.m.

            Instagram: @el_sereno_runners


El Sereno Walking Club

The El Sereno Walking Club launched earlier this year with the goal of helping people “build community through movement.”  The club also supports local businesses. At a recent walk, Raiz Pressed Juice provided wellness shots. All ages and paces are welcome.

           Location: Different locations around El Sereno

           When: Every Sunday 

           Time: 8 a.m., start walking by 8:15 a.m.

           Instagram: @elserenowalkingclub


Around the Eastside

Running Mamis

Running Mamis
Running Mamis runners reach the finish line after a run at L.A. State Historic Park on March 8, 2025. (Andrew Lopez / Boyle Heights Beat)

Running Mamis was created in 2018 to offer a safe space for mothers and women on the Eastside. They organize activities such as short-distance runs, self-care activities and full marathon training. Side note: You don’t have to be a mom to join! 

Location: Typically runs are in Boyle Heights, Little Tokyo, downtown and Chinatown

Instagram: @running.mamis

My background: My passion for community-centered journalism began in high school when I joined Boyle Heights Beat as a youth reporter. Since then I’ve dedicated my time at the Beat covering the Eastside community for the past 12 years.

What I do: I run and create content for all social media channels for Boyle Heights Beat. Most days you'll find me producing, filming and editing all of our social videos.

Why LA?: It's the place I've known my entire life. It's home.

The best way to contact me: My email is jackie.ramirez@boyleheightsbeat.org.

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