Latinas Run founder Maria Solis Belizaire shares how running helped her find strength through a challenging time and later inspired her to create a community for fellow Latino runners.

(Feature photo courtesy of Latinas Run)

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We each have our story of how we became a runner. Some of us may remember an event that captured our interest or a person who inspired us to start running. Others found running to be an outlet during a time in life when it was needed more than ever.

For Maria Solis Belizaire, being on the high school track team gave her a positive focal point and the strength to face adversity after her mother was incarcerated.

“It wasn’t just about improving my speed; it was a way to clear my mind and take a break from everything happening at home,” explains Solis Belizaire. “Each run allowed me to leave the stress and worry behind, even if just for a little while. Running made me feel like I could handle what was going on … It gave me something steady to hold on to when everything else felt out of control.”

Years later, with six marathons under her belt, Solis Belizaire was inspired to start a running group specifically for Latinos. She founded Latinos Run in 2016 as a co-ed health and fitness-focused community. Its sister group Latinas Run launched shortly after and is dedicated to supporting Latina women and girls.

“The inspiration [for Latinas Run] stemmed from a desire to create an inclusive and empowering space for Latinas to unite through running, celebrating health, fitness, and cultural pride in a predominantly male-dominated sport,” says Solis Belizaire.

Together, Latinos Run and Latinas Run now have more than 50 chapters across the country, with new ones typically initiated by requests through the website. Lead ambassadors are appointed to develop chapters and host run club events in their city.

In addition to group runs and events with the Latinas Run local chapters, Solis Belizaire organizes national meetups at designated races across the country and an annual summit at a destination race. But the organization’s main focus, she explains, is on fostering community connections and engagement.

“Latinas Run is more than just a running group. It is a vibrant movement that celebrates Latina culture, promotes health and wellness, and fosters a strong sense of community,” says Solis Belizaire. Her vision is to continue developing new chapters to reach local communities and inspire future generations.

Find Latinas Run and Latinos Run on Instagram.

Below, the lead ambassador of the Chandler, Arizona chapter of Latinas Run, Blanca Luján Westrich, shares what she loves about her role and how Latinas Run bridges connections with Latina runners, local businesses, and other run clubs.

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Q&A with Latinas Run Chandler Lead Ambassador Blanca Luján Westrich

How did Latinas Run Chandler get started, and what’s your role?

Blanca Luján Westrich: [Latinas Run Chandler] started in July 2022. I am a stay-at-home mom but have always been a runner. I used to be in the nonprofit world putting on health fairs and events for the community — Susan G. Komen and the American Academy of Pediatrics — and I missed it so much. Latinas Run Chandler has the best of both worlds: running and community!

My role as a lead ambassador is to create a safe space for Latinas to connect and inspire each other through running or other fitness-related activities. I love being a part of it because I get to connect with fellow runners and other running groups and witness the transformations of those who are just starting in their running and fitness journey.

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How does Latinas Run Chandler partner with local businesses and run clubs?

Blanca Luján Westrich: Latinas Run Chandler has organized Cinco de Mayo and Día de los Muertos events with our incredible hosts at Sole Sports Tempe. For Latina Day, we’ve partnered with Lululemon Chandler. I [also] collaborate with small Hispanic-owned businesses in the Chandler area. We get a place to hang out after our event — a coffee place, smoothie, or healthy food establishment. We showcase their business and we give back to a small biz! It’s a win-win!

[In collabs with other run clubs] we bring bigger crowds and usually people want to stay. I think it is so important to collaborate with other run clubs because we can bring people from diverse backgrounds together to do what we love.

Find Latinas Run Chandler on Instagram.

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What advice would you give to runners interested in joining a run club for the first time?

Blanca Luján Westrich: If you want to join a running club, do it! Don’t be intimidated by the crowds. Everyone is on their own journey. Some are fast, some are in the middle, and some are just starting. We were all there one day! Just show up. That is the hardest part. I promise you won’t regret it! Latinas Run Chandler and most running groups are very welcoming communities!

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Find more Q&As with inspiring run clubs and runners here.

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