In the early hours of the day, before the sun breaks over the horizon, a group of runners is lacing up for a dash around the neighborhood.

Sunrise Runners is a women-based run club that offers women a space to exercise, connect with new and old friends and achieve their goals. Designed with safety and community in mind, the club aims to create a secure, supportive environment for women, particularly in response to the challenges many face when running alone. 

While the group prioritizes women, men are not barred from participating and are welcome to join in a respectful, supportive manner. The club meets on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays between 5-5:15 a.m. at different locations like parks, coffee shops, and trails between La Verne, Claremont and San Dimas.

The club was founded by La Verne resident Marcela “Marce” Vasquez in 2024. She frequently ran in the morning around the neighborhood and decided to invite a few friends to feel a better sense of safety. 

“Being a solo female runner, it can get really scary being outside alone,” Vasquez said. “So I called up some friends to join me and it kind of took off from there. It really grew organically, which was really cool.”’

What began as a casual meet-up became a rapidly growing run club with 15 to 20 consistent runners and Vasquez decided that systems needed to be put in place to prioritize the safety from the first to the last runner that made it back from a group run.

She implemented a check-in system where all present runners had to sign in on a form before running so everyone could be accounted for once they were all done. In doing so, Vasquez maintained the same sense of security and trust that first inspired the group to begin in the first place.

Though they have never experienced an incident during their runs, Vasquez believes that is a direct result of the safety precautions that the club consistently takes. 

“Some of the ways we prioritize safety include carrying safety tools like pepper spray, personal alarms, and flashing lights,” Vasquez said. “These tools along with constant regrouping through the run, private route sharing, and encouraging runners to share their location with a trusted contact makes for a peaceful and positive experience for everyone participating.” 

While the group runs around La Verne’s open streets without police escort, Vasquez is confident that the systems the group has in place will continue to keep their runners as safe as possible. 

A Place to Run and Grow Together

Runners from all walks of life have found a community at Sunrise Runners. Marian Vega, a La Verne resident and homeschooling mom of three, joined the group in January because she needed to find a space where she could do something for herself. 

Vega said she normally runs 5K’s (3.1 miles), but had just finished a five-mile run thanks to the encouragement of the group. A personal best distance for her. 

“This community of women has been so inspirational and something that I needed,” Vega said. “I’m the slowest runner, but they love you, care for you, they’re rooting you on and they don’t leave anyone behind.”

She plans on continuing to run and train with Sunrise Runners with the hopes of running a half marathon in one to two years. 

For Rosa Santoyo, running has become both a personal outlet and a powerful source of community. A Pomona resident and mother of four, Santoyo began running four years ago as a way to manage stress and support her mental health. 

Now 58, she has spent the last year running with Sunrise Runners where she has found a renewed sense of female energy and belonging.

“Age is just a number.” Santoyo said. “I believe women of all backgrounds and abilities are able to start running and exercising wherever they are. If I can do it, anyone can too.”

Though she is one of the older members, Santoyo said the group makes her feel younger, supported, and deeply cared for. Waking up early to meet the women in the morning has become one of her favorite parts of her week, she added. She also credits Sunrise Runner’s leadership and safety measures for fostering an inclusive environment where no one is left behind physically or emotionally.

“More than anything, it is important that we stay consistent and take care of our bodies and each other,” Santoyo said. “I’m going to do everything in my power to encourage and empower my fellow runners at Sunrise to push their limits and prove that it is never too late to better oneself.” 

Building a Better and Safer Club

Vasquez said that she and club leadership have looked into potentially becoming a non-profit organization so they can offer more resources and opportunities to their runners. 

In the meanwhile, one step they’ve taken towards elevating resources was getting five members of the club coach certified through Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). 

According to RRCA’s website, the certification offers individuals the tools to become community leaders that can coach individuals or groups to train and achieve their goals, including running distances from 5K’s up to a full marathon.

“We saw that a lot of the runners here wanted to achieve more and we wanted to give them those opportunities,” Vasquez said. “Now we can offer them better ways to train, be safe and grow into who they want to be.” 

With certified coaches in place and plans to continue elevating the club, Sunrise Runners continues to build toward a future centered around safety, growth and opportunity for every runner. 

Vasquez invites all female runners to join them at one of their runners, no matter what their experience with running. 

“Don’t be afraid. It’s going to be scary and hard at the beginning. I was there and I know the hardest part is taking that initial step,” Vasquez said. “With consistency and believing in yourself, you’ll learn that you’re capable of achieving so many great things.” 

While the club doesn’t coordinate with any local police departments for their weekly runs, Vasquez is consistently developing and refining safety plans for a variety of situations. Team leaders have access to emergency contact information, are familiar with local police departments, constantly regularly review safety protocols, and make sure all runners return and check out after every run. 

How to Join Sunrise Runners

New runners are welcome to join by simply showing up to any of their listed runs on Instagram, no registration or dues required. Vasquez and the club encourage people of all experience levels to join, whether they’re training for a race or just looking for a supportive community to stay active.