Community Spotlight
Get to know the faces and stories that make our running clubs extraordinary. Every month, we shine a light on one dedicated member, bringing their running journey to life.
April 2025
Jennifer Counts
Astral Running Club
Houston, TX
How long have you been running? I started running when I joined Astral Running Club in January of 2020, just before the pandemic hit. My friend Leann Sukman is a founding member of Astral, and she’d been trying to talk me into joining for a while. I was a resistant couch potato at the time, but I eventually showed up. A new year seemed like a good time to start. And I went from being a couch potato to a … road potato, I guess. đ
Tell us about your run club. Astral Running Club is just a great, welcoming group of people. We’re a very come-as-you-are group. You run 6 minute miles? Awesome. You prefer to walk? Also great. We try to do a Social Saturday once every few months, and those are always a good time.
What is your favorite memory from your run club? I just marked 5 years since I started running by doing my first marathon (Chevron). 5-years-ago me would never have even imagined that. So running has shown me what I am capable of. I can say that joining Astral changed my life.
If you’re new to running (or, like me, fitness in general), just have fun with it. Don’t stress about pace, etc. If you’re new to running clubs, every one is different and has their own “personality”, so check out a few to find your people. And good running shoes are always worth it.
February 2025
Victor Quinonez
Dog Haus Running Club
Azusa, CA
How long have you been running?I started running in the Marine Corps in the early 90âs. Once my enlistment was over I stopped running until 2013 when I began training for my 1st marathon (LA Marathon). Iâve always ran alone until I found DHRC Azusa in 2023.
Tell us about your run club. Dog Haus Running Club (DHRC) Azusa is not just a run club but more like an extended family. You hear about âall paces welcomedâ at all run clubs but with DHRC it truly lives by that. We have walkers, 1st time runners, and highly competitive runners in our club. Regardless of the pace you walk or run there is always someone sweeping to make sure no one is left behind. DHRC Azusa gives back to the community by spotlighting a local business at least once a month. They will reroute the course in order to finish or stop at the business being spotlighted that day. This is done in order to make the community aware of our local small family owned businesses.
What is your favorite memory from your run club? There are so many favorite moments with DHRC Azusa, however one stands alone. Since the city of Azusa is part of Los Angeles County. Some of our runners were affected greatly by the recent fires in LA especially the Eaton fire. One of our local businesses (halfsies snack shack) which we have spotlighted before started an emergency pop up to feed and help first responders and those affected by the fires. The pop up brought together volunteers from our DHRC Azusa as well as other running clubs and local communities. What started as a pop up became a call to action.
If anyone has ever thought about walking or running but felt like they would enjoy it more in a group setting then look for a run club in your area. Donât feel intimidated by being new, and donât feel like only those training for races are part of a run club.
December 2024
Hayden Lightfoot
BON Running Club
Houston, TX
How long have you been running? I began running in April 2021 as part of a weight loss journey. I was completely unhappy, unhealthy, and miserable. I knew something needed to change but wasnât sure where to start. I decided to give running a try. At first, I really couldnât stand it. After sticking with it for a while and learning more about it, I began to really enjoy it. Here we are; 3.5 years later, having lost 70+lbs, and Iâm by far the happiest Iâve ever been! Now running is who I am. Itâs such a huge part of my life, I wouldnât want it any other way!
Tell us about your run club. BON Running Club is a Houston based run club that has weekly runs from Little Woodrowâs Rice Village. This club is my home base! Theyâve always been welcoming to all runners(new or experienced). Iâll never forget how intimidated I was the first time I showed up to BON but it immediately felt like home. At BON, itâs not about pace or distance, itâs all about community and friendships!
What is your favorite memory from your run club? I will never forget the feeling of my first marathon (Chevron Houston Marathon 2022). The crowd support and the way all the runners support each other, it truly is amazing to see and to be a part of. Prior to this race, I was telling myself I was a âone and doneâ marathoner. However, the feeling I got during this race made that not an option. After finishing and realizing I might or could do just a little better, I decided to try againâŠ. Several more times. With intentions of doing many more in the future! The feeling of qualifying for Boston for the first time in January 2024 was indescribable.
Slow down, trust the process, and enjoy the journey. You only get the live the journey once, donât rush it! Find yourself a group because the running community is the best in the world!
November 2024
Sara Fults
West End Running Club (WERC)
Houston, TX
How long have you been running? I have been running since 2002 because my sister said races are fun. Wow, did she underestimate how fun I would find running.
When did you start running with your run club? The West End Running Club or WERC meets on Tuesdays in the Galleria. We are in a rebuilding stage, but the WERCers are a dedicated, fun group of runners. We are even planning our own, homegrown marathon in October!
What is your favorite memory from run club? Favorite WERC moments: when runners finish their run in front of Ducky’s, we cheer them in! Favorite running moments have been the miles and smiles shared with running friends, especially from WERC.
Take it one day at a time. Alexi Pappas said it best: “training is like building a sandcastle.
every grain of sand is important, even if you canât see them all” And
remember to run with joy. We get to do this!
