RIOT AZ is a social run club in Arizona centered on health and community and recently celebrated 10 years of running.

(Feature photo courtesy of RIOT AZ/James Rogers)

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Plenty of studies have shown that exercise relieves stress — and so too can social support. When paired together in the form of a run club, we get the positive benefits of both.

RIOT AZ was founded on this premise. In fact, it’s in the name:

Running Is Our Therapy

You won’t find licensed psychologists hosting the run club’s weekly runs, but you will find encouraging leaders, a community of fellow runners, and the opportunity to run off whatever’s causing your stress.

Randi Wolf started RIOT AZ as a social run club centered on health and community in 2014, after the run club she had been a part of disbanded. Over time, Wolf joined forces with additional leaders — James Rogers, Josh Robinson, Johnny Grenz, and Angela “Ang” Mekelburg. The team has grown the run club through community events, social media, and collaborations with local businesses and other run clubs.

Ten years in, RIOT AZ now has two weekly runs: Tuesdays at the Scottsdale Quarter in partnership with lululemon, and Wednesdays at Sole Sports in Gilbert.

When the summer temps hit triple digits, sometimes it’s the accountability these weekly meetups offer that keeps runners motivated. And RIOT AZ’s leaders make sure there’s always something to be excited about, no matter the time of year — whether it’s a Christmas in July run or a group ab workout.

The run club often hosts events with running brands, such as On and HOKA, and collaboration runs with local run clubs including Black Men Run Phoenix and Valley Runners. On these partnerships, Mekelburg notes, “Why not bring more like-minded people together?”

Read on to learn about the leaders of RIOT AZ, the run club’s mission to create community, and more.

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Given the name Running Is Our Therapy, what role has running played in your life?

Josh Robinson: I used to hate running, at least I thought I did. I grew up playing baseball, football, and basketball. Anything longer than a hard sprint seemed impossible. Once team sports ended for me, I was looking for an athletic outlet. I decided to try running after attending a local 5K and seeing how happy everyone was crossing the finish line. I started with a mile, then tried for two. Then eventually, I went for a big accomplishment: my first 5K.

Running goals come and go, but I just continue to find therapy in running. I really enjoy group running, and seeing and helping others train for their goals. I am just as happy watching my friends achieve their goals as when I reach mine. Being a RIOT AZ leader is very rewarding — not only do we get to bring a group of people together, but I get a front-row seat watching others reach new heights they might not have known they could reach.

Randi Wolf: I grew up a sprinter and playing soccer. Fast running was always my favorite. But as I got older, distance running seemed more acceptable and a good stress outlet. It just felt good to move. So distance running became the go-to! One day, my best friend and I tried to run a mile, and it was a s-t-r-u-g-g-l-e. We continued to try every day, and one day, we just kept going. Next thing you know, we were running half marathons, marathons, 5Ks, 10Ks — anything we could get our hands on!

Ang Mekelburg: Honestly, running was never a focus until my friend, Pam, introduced me to it. I fell in love back in 2010 when I did the Rock ‘n’ Roll series [of races] with a focus on the half marathon, [in cities including] Phoenix, San Diego, Las Vegas, and Chicago. I ran a total of nine halfs in four years between these locations — such fun memories! Before recently becoming a manager of the new Gilbert Sole Sports, I ran my own business as a hairstylist for over two decades. Two different industries, but both with a focus on people and building connections, which I thrive in!

James Rogers: I took up running in 2015 with RIOT as an outlet to clear my head and stay in physical shape. Since then, I have run one full marathon, six half marathons, and tons of social 5K runs with the group! Although I originally got into running for the health aspect, I stayed for the community that I found at RIOT.

First-timer at a group run? James has some advice.

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What else can you share about the intentions behind RIOT AZ?

Randi Wolf: After a decade of serving the valley, RIOT AZ’s mission remains unchanged: To create a welcoming space for all runners, foster a supportive and inclusive community, and help runners achieve their health and running goals — all while having fun. The dedication and passion of our runners inspire us to continue this journey for another 10 years!

Running is our therapy. (Please don’t let it replace true therapy with licensed professionals!) We just firmly believe that humans are social creatures — and what a wonderful environment to bond, get to know each other, and let the endorphins flow!

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What have you enjoyed most about seeing the run club grow?

Randi Wolf: Community has always been the intention. Although, we had no clue that this community would grow this much over the years. It has been really fun to experience, and it has been so rewarding to watch the friendships form from it. People are so cool, you know? It’s neat to watch the interactions each week.

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What should someone know before joining RIOT AZ for a run?

Ang Mekelburg: If you have never run before, are new to running, getting back into running, or are a seasoned runner, we welcome you! We have 2- to 4-mile route options. Pick your distance and pick your pace. There will be someone to run with you and meet you where you are at!

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Where you’ll find RIOT AZ:

Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at the Scottsdale Quarter, outside of lululemon (15257 North Scottsdale Road, Scottsdale)

Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Sole Sports Gilbert (2494 South Recker Road, Gilbert)

Follow @RIOT.AZ on Instagram for updates.

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Looking for more on running in Phoenix? Check out the Phoenix City Guide!

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