Not only is Valley Runners nurturing an inclusive space for runners to connect, but the run club’s initiatives also give back to the Phoenix community at large.

(Feature photo courtesy of Valley Runners)

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Making friends as an adult can be challenging. And finding community in a big city isn’t as easy as it sounds.

It’s a realization Matthew Debelak had when he moved to Arizona in 2021. After joining Valley Runners, a run club in Central Phoenix, he says he found the meaningful connections among peers he had been searching for. Not long after, he became a group leader.

Originally founded in 2019 by Crystal Perez and Dave Weissman, Valley Runners provides an inclusive and welcoming community for runners of all paces and experience levels. No one is left behind on their weekly runs, and if someone isn’t up for logging the miles, they’re still invited for the post-run beverage and social time.

Over the years, the run club has partnered with brands, local businesses, and other run clubs across the city. The group often combines its running events with charity opportunities, such as the annual Candy Cane Lane holiday run through a decorated neighborhood followed by a toy drive and raffle.

Outside of the run club, all three founders find additional ways to be involved in both running and community endeavors:

• Weissman has crossed the finish line of more than 50 half marathons and volunteers his time with the Fiesta Bowl organization.
• Perez, who’s halfway toward completing all six World Major Marathons, is a Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona race ambassador.
• Debelak manages Run Arizona, which promotes run clubs across the state and encourages runners to find their running community just as he did with Valley Runners.

Below, learn more about the evolution of Valley Runners, the run club’s events and collaborations, and where to join them for a run.

Bookmark the Phoenix City Guide for the next time you’re in town.

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How and when did the Valley Runners run club get started?

Dave Weissman: Valley Runners originated in May 2019. It started as the Helton Adventure Tribe, which was founded by Crystal Perez and me in partnership with Helton Brewing Company in Arcadia, [a neighborhood in] Phoenix. The run club was inspired by a shared passion for running and the vibrant community spirit of group runs we had participated in over the years.

Crystal Perez: Dave and I collaborated with Brian [at Helton Brewing] to establish a 3-mile neighborhood route, bringing together local runners for biweekly group runs. As the club grew, we rebranded to Valley Runners in June 2023, moving to Fate Brewing Company in Central Phoenix, which better represented our vision and community focus. This transition also brought Matthew Debelek into the group [and] his social media skills. By February 2024, we expanded to weekly meetings, alternating locations between Fate Brewing and The Joy Lush Club.

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How has the run club evolved over the years?

Crystal Perez: Our initial goal for Valley Runners was to create a community where people of all running abilities could come together, share their enthusiasm for running, and enjoy socializing afterward … No one is left behind during runs, with someone always staying with the back of the pack. I particularly enjoy seeing members connect over a cold beverage post-run, even those who may not have participated in the run itself. We’ve expanded the club’s activities beyond weekly runs to include special events, maintaining a commitment to inclusivity and social connection.

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What are some initiatives Valley Runners has been a part of?

Dave Weissman: We frequently collaborate with other local run clubs, such as RIOT AZ, Black Men Run, and Latinos Run, for joint events … Valley Runners has also received strong support from local running stores like Runner’s Den and Sole Sports, which often promote our events and generously donate raffle prizes.

We collaborate with local businesses … For instance, we recently partnered with Black Swan Yoga in Phoenix to combine a group run with a yoga session, helping to introduce the new studio to their members.

Our club is also active in charity initiatives. Last year, we co-hosted a Thanksgiving day run with Core Collective Fitness and several other local run clubs to raise funds for The Barbell Saves Project, which supports individuals who are recovering from substance abuse through exercise.

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What Valley Runners event are you most proud of?

Matthew Debelak: One standout event is our annual holiday run through Candy Cane Lane. We run through a neighborhood known for its elaborate Christmas decorations. This festive run is the most popular event of the year and brings the community together in a celebratory atmosphere.

The event also includes a raffle supported by local businesses, with additional tickets given to those who contribute to a toy drive … This combination of festive fun and community support encapsulates the spirit of Valley Runners.

Learn more about another Phoenix-area run club, RIOT AZ!

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Where to find Valley Runners:

Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. (alternating locations):
Fate Brewing Company at 4445 North 7th Street, Phoenix
The Joy Lush Club at 24 West Camelback Road, Phoenix

Routes are 3-4 miles, followed by post-run socializing.

Follow @valleyrunnersaz on Instagram for weekly schedule updates.

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