The idea of exercising in company has resonated deeply in the town. With the arrival of good weather, it is common to see this group traversing the coastal path, from the Club Náutico to the lighthouse area or the Caleta de Vélez breakwater. Young people, adults, experienced runners, and beginners now share weekly training sessions in an atmosphere that prioritizes motivation over competition.
“"Many ran alone, and others were too shy to start or didn't feel motivated because they had no one to go out with. The idea was to create a space where anyone could start accompanied."
Behind this initiative are two residents passionate about sports. One of them, settled in Vélez-Málaga for over 20 years, has experience in marathons, triathlons, and Ironman middle-distance races. The other founder, a law graduate, also has experience in half marathons, trail running, and ultra-distance events. Both emphasize that the goal is not professional training, but to encourage the enjoyment of sports.
“"We are not coaches. We simply want to motivate and help more people enjoy doing sports."
The proposal emerged at the end of February, and within just a week, they had organized their first meetup. The reception exceeded expectations, growing from about 16 people at the first gathering to a community of over a hundred members in their WhatsApp group. Word-of-mouth and social media have been key to this growth, with some days attracting up to 35 runners.
One of the project's cornerstones is its accessibility for all levels. Different groups are organized during outings so that each participant can run at their own pace, without pressure. In addition to the regular meetups, some weekends feature morning training sessions that conclude with group breakfasts, further strengthening the bonds among members.
“"Don't overthink it. The embarrassment lasts five minutes; after that, the hard part is stopping coming."
