Meet Boyle Heights Bridge Runners

Welcome to the fifth edition of the Run Malibu Editorial! The weeks are flying by and all of a sudden, Run Malibu race weekend is right around the corner! Now is a great time to put the finishing touches on your training. One pro tip? Take a few moments each week to visualize your race day experience. If you haven't run the Malibu Half yet, check out photos from last year to get an idea of the race courses to help you visualize striding across the smooth roads through the farmland, tackling the little roller hills on PCH and cruising across the finish line. If you're participating in the 5k, visualize crushing the fast and scenic loop around the college campus. Remember, so much of this sport is mental, both for reaching your goals and overall enjoyment. Prepare your mind like you're preparing physically to set yourself up for an awesome race day. If you're in need of a little momentum and energy to help crush these last weeks of training, be sure to drop into a run with last month's featured crew, Wolf Pack Runners, and read on for the schedule of runs with Boyle Heights Bridge Runners and other community events. It goes without saying but for anyone that needs the extra push to get in those miles, training is easier (and far more fun) with friends and community. Read on to meet our Run Crew of the month, get inspired by our local heroes and check out an awesome local business keeping runners running and supporting the wellbeing of our community. Thanks for being here!

First up... Meet Boyle Heights Bridge Runners

"We believe running has the power to bring people together across every background, creating a space where everyone is welcomed, supported, and celebrated. Rooted in Boyle Heights, we are committed to promoting health, uplifting our neighborhoods, supporting local culture and small businesses, and proving that every mile is an opportunity to build a stronger, more connected Los Angeles. We don’t just run across bridges - we build them between people."

Boyle Heights Bridge Runners Schedule

Every Wednesday at 7:30pm at the Mariachi plaza in Boyle Heights, starting at 8pm sharp. It is completely free and volunteer-led. There is no need to register, just lace up and show up. The rest of left on the pavement.

• Follow Boyle Heights Bridge Runner's Schedule on Instagram here

LOCAL HERO ROUND-UP

MEET LIZZETTE: FROM Boyle Heights Bridge Runners

Cassidy: Hi! Can you share a little about yourself?

Lizzette: Hello, my name is Lizzette Perez, a Mexican/American women born and raised in Los Angeles California. I’m one of the originating members and core leaders with the Boyle Heights Bridge Runners for over 13 years. I say over 13 years because I’ve been running with the collective since before we had a name. The Boyle Heights Bridge Runners was founded for the people and by the people. We created as safe peace within Boyle Heights for folks to meet, run, focus on their health, release their day, enjoy the views and create community for themselves. We’ve dedicated our time and energy, free-of-charge, for over 13 years; to our people, this community and our core principles. Our people cannot be bought. We are entitled to take up space as the next. We will continue to remain grounded, humble and focused on our mission: creating a safe space for our and all community members.


Cassidy: Why do you run? What does running mean to you?

Lizzette: To clear my mind and move my body. Running has and will always be a form for meditation, a catalyst for balance within my life. I gain peace from running.


Cassidy: What is your favorite time of day and place to run, and why?

Lizzette: Anytime I feel like it and have the time. I’ve learned to listen to my body and honor when I need to move and release energy whether good or bad.

Cassidy: What does community mean to you, and how does community support your running and your goals?

Lizzette: Hope. Hope that when good intentions are met with positive actions, love can grow and influence all those around us.

Cassidy: If you've run Run Malibu before (or volunteered!), what was your favorite moment and why?

Lizzette: Running the Pacific Coast HWY. I mean how cool is that! We’ve all driven it, but to run it… a surreal experience.

MEET GABY: FROM Boyle Heights Bridge Runners


Cassidy: Why do you run?

Gaby: I run to see how far I can move my body - for mental and physical health. I also love discovering new trails and cities on my feet. It feels different every time, like I’m exploring the world from a whole new angle.


Cassidy: What does running mean to you?

Gaby: Running means connectedness with myself. It’s like a way of prayer and meditation - when I run, my mind gets quieter and I feel more in tune with what I need.

Cassidy: What is your favorite time of day and place to run in, and why?

Gaby: I love running in the mornings because I get to catch the sunrise. There’s something powerful about starting the day with light, fresh air, and that calm morning energy. As hybrid runner 🏃🏽‍♀️ but there’s a special magical energy in the mountains 🏔️ that I love so much.

Cassidy: What does community mean to you, and how does community support your running and your goals?

Gaby: Community means a collective of people who align with the same interests and values. When we have that connection, we can build something really powerful. Community supports my running by keeping me motivated, pushing me to show up, and helping my goals feel more possible.

Cassidy: If you've run Run Malibu before (or volunteered!), what was your favorite moment and why?

Gaby: I’ve run Malibu, and my favorite part was sharing this experience with my 16-year-old son and seeing the beautiful landscape together. The ocean views are unbelievable - just running next to that scenery makes every step feel special.

Cassidy: What are 2–3 mantras you use when running?

Gaby: 1. Where my magic feet will take me.

2. We can do and conquer amazing things.

3. I move with purpose.

4. One step at a time - trust the process.

5. Gratitude statement (to include while running): Gratitude for being able to move my body.


Ready to run with us? Live The Good Life with Run Malibu