Runners from all over Orange County laced up their hokas and headed to Laguna Beach to start their Sunday with a three-mile run along the shoreline, before taking a dip in nearby Crescent Bay and enjoying drinks courtesy of Jebediah Coffee. I am drinking coffee.
Founded by locals Tyler Willardson, Richard Zak, and Ethan Stause, the Laguna Beach Run Club is a new social group dedicated to promoting fitness, friendship, and appreciation of Laguna's coastal environment.
Since the club's founding, it has attracted a growing number of runners of all levels who take on the 3-mile loop course that starts in Catch Surf, winds toward Main Beach and back to the surf shop.
“Whoever wants to participate, it's a win-win for everyone,” said Zach, who manages Catch Surf. “You can walk or run and make your route shorter or longer as you need. It's all about getting out and building community.”
Stause, a local musician and KXFM radio host, said he is always looking to connect with new communities. When Zach contacted me about the idea, he was excited to be involved.
“We are fortunate to have such a beautiful and scenic route around Heisler Park,” Stause said. “It's a great excuse to be on the water and wake up early on Sunday to start the day fresh. You just have to put one foot in front of the other.”
The Laguna Beach Run Club meets at 9 a.m. Sunday at the Catch Surf parking lot in north Laguna. However, in the future, Zach hopes to add another meeting option during the week for those who can't make weekend dates.
“We're adding another day because we know a lot of people go to church or have other things to do on Sunday morning,” Zach said. “We were talking about maybe having a trail day on Tuesday, or going to the high school for track day and doing a little track day that day.”
The Laguna Beach Run Club meets every Sunday at 9 a.m. at the Catch Surf parking lot in north Laguna. For more information, visit Instagram @lagunabeachrunclub.