By Olivia Attalla
It’s a Tuesday afternoon, and hundreds of runners are lining up, with three pacers ready to guide the way.
“Alright Brickell Run Club,” one pacer intones, “welcome to the run!”
For the past 15 years, the Baptist Health Brickell Run Club has been keeping the Brickell community active and connected. From the moment one steps foot in the Fortune International headquarters parking lot, the energy is unmistakable: Runners are stretching, a DJ is playing tunes to turn up the volume, and the flags of sponsoring companies like Lamborghini are flapping in the breeze. The crowd is buzzing with excitement and ready to make tracks.
The run club was founded by community leader Frankie Ruiz, the Chief Running Officer at Life Time and Co-Creator of the Life Time – Miami Marathon. Ruiz launched the club in 2010 with a simple goal: Brickell needed its own run club. His mission has been the same from Day One, he says. The Brickell Run Club is completely free and open to the public—runners just need to show up ready to move. Anywhere from 300 to 800 people join each week, ready to complete the 3.5-mile route with family, friends and even their kids. The distance is manageable for most runners across the city.
Thanksgiving has become a particularly popular time of the year to participate in a group run. This year’s Life Time Turkey Trot Miami, which features a 5K run, a 10K run and a kids race this Thursday Nov. 27, is already sold out – though thousands of supporters will be out to cheer the runners on.
But it’s the people who come out to run each week – even when the Miami sky seems like a steambath – who probably deserve a round of applause.
The Brickell run starts at the Fortune International headquarters each Tuesday at 7 p.m., then heads down South Miami Avenue. It crosses the Brickell Avenue Bridge, loops near the Kaseya Center, then returns to finish at Fortune.
Miami is known for its heat and humidity, but for these runners, the climate is all part of the charm – challenging yet exciting.
“Everybody’s got their own reason,” said Ruiz, gearing up for the milestone 15th anniversary run in a black Nike shirt with “coach” emblazoned across the front. “I met my wife out here, and the reasons evolve. Some people may come the first time just to get healthy, then they want to make friends. Then they keep coming because they want to show their kids how to run.”
Neither heat advisory nor approaching hurricane keeps these runners from showing up each Tuesday.
“We’re here no matter what,” Ruiz said with enthusiasm. “We aren’t soft like that.”
The group brings together participants from all walks of life, and Ruiz welcomes everyone with open arms.
The club’s pacers – also known as coaches – help guide and support runners along the route. Given Miami’s often extreme temperatures, Ruiz said they take precautions to keep everyone safe. “We make everyone fill out a waiver, walk them through first-time orientation, and share safety tips on Instagram. We encourage everybody to stay hydrated.”
The running club features local brand sponsors and community partnerships. Propel Water sponsored the Sept. 30 anniversary run, providing hats, shirts and electrolyte drinks to keep participants fueled before and during the workout. Runners filled the area – some regulars, some newcomers, all eager to be part of the celebration.
“I have been running for 10 years since I moved to Miami, and now I’m a pacer/coach,” said Jared Cotta, who works for Caris Life Sciences at the University of Miami.
Katherine Burgos, who drove from Hollywood, started running last October and discovered the Brickell Run Club through social media. Now she shows up each week for the “vibes, energy, and making friends.”
Shikira Hayes, from North Miami, began running eight years ago with the Miami Run Club at the New World Center in Downtown Miami. “I run for fitness, motivation, mental health, meeting friends, and the great community,” she said.
Kimberly Carpenter, running for the first time alongside her friend Cidney Pierre, said she joined for “health, wellness, and a social network,” adding that she felt inspired by the crowd.
Nakul Desai, who has been running for less than a year, joined after friends told him about the club. His reasons: “To get healthier and make a few friends.”
Once the fun starts, the pacers lead the way. There are three pace groups: Fast Pace, Party Pace (middle), and Sexy Pace (the final group). Runners choose whichever best fits their level. Participants can run or walk, and signs throughout the route guide them to the finish line. Security and first-aid teams are also present to ensure safety throughout the entire run.
On Nov. 26, the Brickell Run Club will host its weekly Tuesday run as a pre-Thanksgiving celebration. The club also participates in Thanksgiving food drives to support local charities.
Many participants say their health has significantly improved because of the Brickell Run Club.
As one of the largest free run clubs in Miami, it has become a weekly routine for many. With the holiday season approaching – and many indulging in festive treats – the Brickell Run Club continues to be a great way to stay active, socialize and keep Miami moving.
