A Local Run Community is Exploding in Size with Their Message of Acceptance and Support
Project Run Club (PRC) began as a group of 6 friends. In June, Brandon Diaz, physical trainer and co-founder of the small athletic group, decided to publicize their run meetups on social media and welcome others to join, just to see what would happen. The message he put out was one of support and acceptance of all athletic levels. As it turns out…people love the idea, and the group quickly multiplied. By August they reached 110 members, and there’s no sign of slowing down.
Julie Diaz, Brandon’s wife and PRC co-founder, says they are creating a culture of unconditional support in their run community to spark and reinforce healthy habits — both physical and emotional.
“We want people to feel seen. We want people to feel loved,” she says, “We want people to move and to be proud of that movement —whatever it looks like.”
At meetups, adults and children alike are joining the movement as runners, walkers, and bikers. Even multi-tasking parents feel welcome to get their steps in with PRC, because strollers are a common sight here as well.
PRC meetups happen each Saturday at various, often scenic, locations around Del Rio like trails along San Felipe Creek or the streets of South Downtown Del Rio. Their latest meetup on Saturday took place at 800 South Main Street outside Mesquite Creek Outfitters, who welcomed the group to have a bite for breakfast, or just hang out, after the run.
PRC isn’t just attracting members, it’s also earning signs of community goodwill from local businesses. Business owners are choosing to show their support for PRC in the form of gift card donations so that after each meetup, Brandon and Julie can raffle out a variety of gift cards from local favorites like Chic-Fil-a, Rudy’s, and HTeaO.
“Chic-Fil-a has given us like 50 gift cards at once. Rudy’s gave us 12. And because of them we get to bless other people, and that means so much to us,” says Julie.
But even without the freebies, Project Run Clubbers say that being part of a community all about physical and social wellness is the real win.
“We’re supporting each other and we’re going through this together. And adding the physical activity with it, it’s healthy and good for your mental health. It really embraces the Del Rio community coming together,” says Karen Perez, who ran with along-side a group of friends at this Saturday’s meet up.
“In the beginning I was following them on instagram, and I [thought], ‘Wow, this looks pretty cool. I think I want to try that out.’ And coming today, I’m like, ‘Wow!’ So many people are coming together! It’s nice that the community is coming out here and enjoying their time together and getting fit!” Says Karen’s friend.
Julie and Brandon want to organize an official 5K in the future. Until then, Project Run Club is free and open to join every Saturday. To keep up with heir latest meet location, follow @project_run_club on instagram.
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