Running With Heart: How SD Girls Run Club is Redefining What a Runner Looks Like
If you’ve ever laced up a pair of running shoes and felt like you didn’t quite fit the mold, you’re not alone—and SD Girls Run Club is here to prove you absolutely belong.
Born on the sun-drenched coastline of San Diego, SD Girls Run Club offers the type of laid back community that feels like a ripple before it forms a wave. Founded in June 2024 by Yari Martinez, this community-first club is less about splits and PRs, and more about soul, sisterhood and some sweat.
From the Soccer Field to the Seaport
Yari’s roots are athletic—she grew up playing all types of sports, but soccer was her first love. It was through her lifelong connection to movement that she realized something was missing: an inclusive, empowering space where women could come together not just to run, but to be. To show up exactly as they are, regardless of pace or background. And so, SDGirls Run Club was born.
“Running helped me find confidence,” says Yari. “But it was the community that made me fall in love with endurance. I wanted to give that feeling to others—especially women of color who don’t always see themselves represented in the running world.”
Community Over Competition
Every Monday at 6:30pm, the Imperial Beach Pier in San Diego is the gathering place for meetup runs. Two options await: A 2-mile walk/jog/run (totally beginner-friendly) or a 5K for those looking to sweat a little harder. Yari explains, "Whether you’re chasing a new milestone or just out to clear your head, you’ll be met with high-fives, encouragement, and a whole lot of heart."
SD Girls Run Club also hosts a leisurely Sunday morning Walk & Talk in Downtown San Diego's Seaport Village. Grab a coffee from Spill the Beans, and join the group for a social stroll along the waterfront with new friends and great conversation.
More Than Miles
The magic of SD Girls Run Club isn’t just in the routes—it’s the relationships. “Women come for the run, but stay for the connection,” Yari shares. “I’ve seen total strangers become close friends after just one meetup.”
One of the most unforgettable moments came early on. A young runner —nervous and hesitant—completed her very first mile. “She finished with the biggest smile on her face,” Yari recalls. “Her mom came up to me afterward with tears in her eyes. That’s when I knew this was more than just a run club.”
Then there was the 2025 Valentine's Day Walk & Talk, which drew over 70 women. "It was a blur of laughter, and love —the kind of energy you don’t forget," says Yari.
Redefining the Run Club
What sets SD Girls Run apart? The unwavering belief that everyone belongs. This isn’t about who’s the fastest or fittest. It’s about showing up for yourself and for each other. Mental wellness. Self-love. Breaking barriers. Building community. Celebrating every pace.
“We’re just getting started,” says Yari. “Our mission is to reach thousands of women by the end of the year and remind them that being a runner isn’t about how far or fast you go—it’s about how fully you show up.”
So, if you’re in San Diego and you’ve been looking for a sign, this is it. Bring your sneakers. Bring your story. You’ve got a community waiting for you!
How to join the fun
- Follow on Instagram: @sdgirlsrun
- Meetup Run: Mondays 6:30pm at Imperial Beach Pier, San Diego.
- Walk & Talk: Check Instagram for Sunday dates in Seaport Village, San Diego (meet at Spill the Beans Coffee)
