San Diego’s running scene thrives on connection — it’s powered by the people who lace up, show up, and lift each other up with every stride. From coastal routes to park paths, local run clubs bring together runners of all paces and backgrounds to share miles, laughter, and purpose.
In this month’s Run Club Highlight, we’re celebrating a crew that embodies empowerment, inclusivity, and pure joy in motion: Santa Mujeres Run Club (SMRC). Founded with intention and heart, SMRC has built a safe space for BIWoC to connect, grow, and chase goals—together. Known for their infectious energy, community focus, and commitment to representation in the sport, this club reminds us that running is about so much more than the miles.
Keep reading to meet Virginia Camacho, one of SMRC’s founders (and a proud Pacific Beach Half Marathon ambassador!), and learn how this inspiring group is creating change, one stride and smile at a time.
Last month SMRC celebrated 5 years! Tell us a little about yourself and how Santa Mujeres Run Club came to life. What inspired you to start this movement?
We searched for a run club in town that didn’t require dues, was open to everyone, and had members of all sizes, colors, and backgrounds – to be honest we weren’t finding it. We knew we wanted to get more women involved so we met up various times for months planning our run club with intention.
Can you share the meaning behind the name “Santa Mujeres” and what it represents?
Santa Mujeres means holy women, and to us it represents how special it is to be a woman, and to be a woman in our group. To us, we’re divine. We work hard, we love hard, and we run hard.
SMRC is aimed at being a safe space for BIWoC to grow and get active together. What kind of impact have you seen since your first meet-up?
We have grown so much, and one of the most rewarding impacts we have made is watching families show up and go after shared goals. We have mothers and fathers being healthy examples for their children. We truly have all body types and paces. We’re really proud to have created the diverse community we set out to create with intention.
How would you describe the energy of a typical Santa Mujeres run?
Our typical run is light-hearted and fun. We keep the energy up and smiles on our face. We know we can get through hard things together!
How do you help new runners—especially those who may be intimidated—to take that first step and feel supported?
We offer a 1 mile and 5k on Thursdays! 1 mile can be the perfect distance for any beginner, and our 5k is something that can be worked up to. We encourage all paces to get out and move. We lead from the back, so no one gets left behind, and all runners feel supported.
What’s been your most memorable “wow” moment with Santa Mujeres—whether it was realizing the club was becoming something truly special, or a favorite route or run that stands out in your memory?
We have had so many WOW moments! Back in 2022 we had the opportunity to meet and work with Christopher McDougall and Eric Orton. We were honored to be featured in Born to Run 2 – the sequel to the bestselling book Born to Run. It was great confirmation that we’re on the right path – that we were born to run, and we have a rig. This year we are traveling with our largest team yet (almost 50 women) to Scottsdale Arizona where we will all race in Every Woman’s Marathon. We are so fulfilled in the work we do, motivating women become the best runners they can be.
If Santa Mujeres had a theme song, what would it be?
Baila Conmigo by Dayvi – we’re always dancing and having a party wherever we are!
Who or what inspires you to keep showing up and leading the way?
Our community! We truly love and value our community. We have created a wonderful supportive community of people that show up for each other! We are proud to have a crew of humble runners that respect, encourage, and help each other.
For anyone who’s reading this and wants to join—when and where does SMRC meet, and what should they know before showing up?
We meet every Thursday in Balboa Park by the carousel at 6pm for 1 mile and 5k. All are welcome. Our routes are kid friendly, pet friendly, and stroller accessible. We hope you join us!
Whether you’re looking for a supportive space to start your running journey or a crew that celebrates every pace, Santa Mujeres Run Club welcomes you with open arms (and plenty of post-run smiles). To learn more about their weekly meetups or follow their journey, check them out on Instagram.
And if you’re still searching for your perfect running crew, explore our Ultimate List of San Diego Run Clubs — because in San Diego, there’s always a group ready to run with you.
