SACRAMENTO, Calif. — On Monday evenings, the vibrant sounds of Latin music fill the air outside of Fairytale Town in Sacramento as people gather for an energetic warm-up, preparing for their run or walk. They are part of Corremos Sacramento, translated to “We Run Sacramento,” a Latino-led running and walking group founded in in 2022 by Dalia Ramirez-Robles and Javier Macias-Salazar.
For Macias-Salazar, creating a group like this was a personal journey. His passion for running began in 1996 watching the summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. At just six years old, he was glued to the TV as sprinter Michael Johnson stepped onto the track, wearing his iconic, shiny gold cleats. He watched in awe as Johnson dominated the 400-meter race, part of a record-breaking performance.
“That inspired me to go outside and dig my own little starting line and start sprinting,” Macias-Salazar said.
That day, he didn’t just watch an Olympic race — Macias-Salazar found a new sense of purpose. Fast forward to today, his love for the sport has blossomed into something bigger.
"It just brings me so much happiness and joy to be out in nature, getting exercise and sharing that with others," Macias-Salazar said.
Together with co-founder Ramirez-Robles, they wanted to create a group that reflected the diversity of the local community — something often missing from traditional running communities, according to Macias-Salazar.
In a 2022 Running USA survey, 60% of respondents identified as white, 20% as Hispanic, 7% as Black, 5% as Asian and 2% as Indigenous.
Ramirez-Robles said the group not only welcomes everyone but also prioritizes community over performance.
“We just want to create a safe space for all bodies and for all backgrounds, for all fitness levels to come outdoors and just empower their walking and running journeys,” Ramirez-Robles said.
Ramirez-Robles, who describes herself as curvier and bigger, admits that her body image has been a source of insecurity. Through Corremos Sacramento, she hopes to create a space where others who may face similar struggles can feel like they belong.
And judging by the group’s growth, it’s clear they’re succeeding. What started with just 20 participants has since ballooned with over 60 people regularly attending the weekly meetups and around 200 members actively engaging in their group chat. They meet every week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.
“I think people show up because they see themselves reflected,” Ramirez-Robles said. “(And) I think what sets us apart is it feels more like a carne asada, like a kickback.”
They focus is less on running itself and more on encouraging members to stay active.
That’s why Susan, a founding member, continues to show up. She is thankful the group’s message has stayed the same: “Come as you are.”
"Running might be the common thing that brings you here, but the community is what keeps you here,” she said.
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She understands how intimidating it can be for beginners, which is why she believes Corremos Sacramento stands out. It’s a place where newcomers can connect with other runners, learn from their experiences and explore opportunities the running world offers.
Though running wasn’t part of Susan’s upbringing, she now finds herself on scenic trails, amazed that this hobby has become such an integral part of her life, especially considering the challenges she faced growing up.
The group hopes others can access the sport just like Susan by breaking down financial barriers. The club is free to join, and now, as an official non-profit, Corremos Sacramento is working to make running more accessible to communities of color.
Ramirez-Robles knows all too well how difficult it can be to afford a runner’s lifestyle.
“I personally can't afford to buy new shoes every year, but new shoes and the proper attire (are) important because it keeps you from hurting yourself,” Ramirez-Robles said.
She recalls being gifted shoes and how that contribution led to some life-changing experiences in her own running journey. Now, Ramirez-Robles hopes the organization can do the same for other runners in need, whether it’s providing sports attire or covering race fees.
“I want to witness people grow, challenge themselves and feel that accomplishment like, ‘Wow, I’m capable. I did this,’” Ramirez-Robles said.
For the co-founders, Corremos Sacramento is more than a run club, it’s a commitment to uplifting the community.
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