Pacifica Runners Club Off to a Great First Start

Written by Kristine Nemes & Wini Linguvic

In April of 2013, when a few Pacifica moms brought their families together to run a Pacifica coastal trail in memory of the Boston Marathon tragedy, an idea was born. The goal seemed simple enough: to create a running club in Pacifica to promote fitness and involve the whole family. 

In May, an informal run was held and over 70 people participated. Shocked by the overwhelming response and faced with the need for a more official organization in order to plan group races and pay permitting fees, a formal board was formed and the group joined the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA).   

Pacifica Runners is a non-profit organization with membership fees of $20 a year for adults, $10 a year for children. One of the goals of the club is to partner with local businesses to keep down overall costs for members. Perks of membership include discounts at local stores, an informative quarterly newsletter, discounted rates at Pacifica Runners races, and free fitness clinics.  

The first Pacifica newsletter came out in September packed with information. There were articles for the beginner, tips on training, as well as those looking to improve their half marathon time. A 3.1-mile route within Pacifica was highlighted. Capping it off was a full calendar of upcoming bay area events listing over 30 runs from Tiburon to San Mateo. 

Each newsletter will also highlight local Pacifica runners. The September issue spotlight was on 7-year-old Brady Nemes whose next goal is “to be the fastest person on Earth.”  

Pacifica Mayor Len Stone was also interviewed and shared why he doesn’t listen to music when he runs.  

“I tend to get clarity on things when I'm running. A lot of times solutions to a problem at work or a challenge in the city will pop in my head when I'm in the middle of a run. Running really sharpens my focus.”  

With a Mayor who runs to clear his head and Brady aiming to be faster than any Olympian, Pacifica Runners is off to a great start.    

On October 7, Pacifica Runners offered a free running clinic for members.  Franz Dill, a certified running coach, ultra-marathon runner and assistant director of the Half Moon Bay International Marathon shared his road to running.  He answered questions on increasing speed, fueling, incorporating hills into runs and having fun running. The clinic concluded with running drills with the help of fellow RRCA coach, Kristin Steadman. The clinic was a huge success, inspiring all who attended.

On October 27, Pacifica Runners is presenting the Cabrillo Podiatry Group Halloween 5k and Kids’ Run at Rockaway Beach. Adult and children runners and walkers are welcome. All kids participating will receive a Halloween goodie bag.  Kids who complete the kids’ run will earn a small medal, while those completing the 5k will receive a “5k” toe token to add to their shoelaces. Prizes will be raffled off to both adult and child participants. Pacifica Runners members pay $5 for adults and $3 for kids (free for children 4 years and under) and the non-member cost is $8 for adults, $5 for kids.  Please register online here before the event to help ensure there are enough goodie bags for the kids.

On November 10, local fitness author Wini Linguvic is hosting Yoga for Runners at Ocean Yoga. This clinic will be both for new and experienced runners interested in learning some practical tips to help increase mobility and prevent injury. Space is limited for this members-only workshop, so be sure to register early by emailing PacificaRunners@gmail.com.

There are more clinics in the works including a cross training one with a personal trainer and an injury prevention clinic with a local chiropractor. 

The next run will be planned for New Year’s Day.  

For more information about Pacifica Runners and to register for upcoming events please visit us at www.pacificarunners.webs.com