{"id":314469,"date":"2026-05-13T23:41:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T23:41:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/314469\/"},"modified":"2026-05-13T23:41:08","modified_gmt":"2026-05-13T23:41:08","slug":"sacramento-ca-running-tips-groups-and-clubs-benefits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/314469\/","title":{"rendered":"Sacramento CA: running tips, groups and clubs, benefits"},"content":{"rendered":"

Looking to start running? Don\u2019t know where to start? The Sacramento Bee spoke with Brandon Hassid, an assistant professor and assistant team physician for UC Davis Athletics, about the benefits and best practices for beginning runners.<\/p>\n

Additionally, The Bee found dozens of running clubs and a number of running trails where those new to the sport can find support and places to run.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what to know:<\/p>\n

Why start running now?<\/p>\n

From a cardiovascular standpoint, the health benefits of running are fantastic, according to Hassid.<\/p>\n

Particularly for people as they grow older, running can provide both short and long term benefits including muscle strength. By far though, the main benefit of running is building bone density in the lower extremities such as the legs. Stronger bones, especially as we age, means less risk of severe injury from minor falls.<\/p>\n

\u201cThat kind of repetitive impacts on the ground,\u201d said Hassid. \u201cIt helps maintain your bone density and prevent osteoporosis and osteopenia as people get older.\u201d<\/p>\n

Additionally, Hassid noted that exercise in general has shown to improve mood symptoms associated with depression and running in groups can provide social emotional benefits.<\/p>\n

How to start running after years of not working out?<\/p>\n

Hassid said this is a common question he gets asked, especially when medical problems begin to arise.<\/p>\n

For Hassid, patients who were once incredibly active can often make common mistakes that increase the likelihood of injury.<\/p>\n

\u201c… Wherever they were when they were last running or doing their activity in terms of how much they were doing or how intense or how fast they were doing it, (they) just assume that they can jump right back in where they were, even though it\u2019s been weeks, months, years since they were last running.\u201d<\/p>\n

Hassid said those returning to running after a period of inactivity should be reminded they have lost a lot of the previous training benefits such as strengthening the tendons and muscles that help stabilize the joints and the movements of the legs.<\/p>\n

He recommended runners start with a fraction of what they were doing before and ease up on the intensity and the duration of runs, and he highly recommends days off between runs.<\/p>\n

For new runners or returning runners, Hassid encouraged a run\/walk progression. This means alternating running for one minute, then walking for one minute, or a one-to-one ratio of equal amounts walking and running. For people adjusting to a one-minute run, they can run for one minute, and walk for five minutes in order to lower the risk of injury, Hassid said.<\/p>\n

What are some common injuries involved in running?<\/p>\n

The most common running injury is patellofemoral pain syndrome, otherwise known as runner\u2019s knee. People will experience pain in front of the knee or behind the kneecap. The causes can be structural or a certain way of walking or running, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine.<\/a><\/p>\n

Hassid recommends rest and treatment in order for the knee to heal correctly.<\/p>\n

He also mentioned other common injuries for runners.<\/p>\n

\u201cPeople can get shin splints, where they get pain over the inner front part of the shins with running,\u201d Hassid said. \u201cThe things that we have to be careful with are that shin splints can look like a stress reaction, or even a stress fracture of the bones in the shin and the tibia, and we have to treat that much more conservatively, so you don\u2019t want to miss that.\u201d<\/p>\n

For shin splints, Hassid recommended being evaluated by a physician.<\/p>\n

Where are local running trails in Sacramento?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento area is home to a number of running trails from running through the city to a run immersed in nature. Here are some of the trails highlighted by the Sacramento Running Association.<\/p>\n

\"The The Sacramento area is home to a number of running trails for people to enjoy. Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado valvarado@sacbee.com Lake Natoma Loop<\/p>\n

1901 Hazel Ave., Gold River<\/p>\n

Mckinley Park<\/p>\n

601 Alhambra Blvd., Sacramento<\/p>\n

Sacramento State University<\/p>\n

6000 J St., Sacramento<\/p>\n

Southside Park<\/p>\n

2107 6th St. Sacramento<\/p>\n

William Land Park<\/p>\n

4000 South Land Park Drive, Sacramento<\/p>\n

Ancil Hoffman Park Trail<\/p>\n

6341 Tarshes Drive, Carmichael<\/p>\n

City of Folsom<\/p>\n

50 Natoma St., Folsom<\/p>\n

Johnson-Springview Park<\/p>\n

5480 Fifth St., Rocklin<\/p>\n

What are the local running clubs in Sacramento?<\/p>\n

The Sacramento Running Association lists local running clubs for those looking to join a group, find new friends or get guidance on their running journey. Here are groups that can help.<\/p>\n

9RUN6<\/a><\/p>\n

9RUN6 is a twice a week running club in Sacramento aimed at having fun and encouraging each member.<\/p>\n

Runs:<\/p>\n

Wednesday 5:30 a.m.Friday 5:30 a.m.Arete Women\u2019s Running Club<\/a><\/p>\n

Arete is a nationwide women\u2019s run club with a strong Sacramento chapter. The group is for people who take running seriously but at ANY pace. Members come from all over the greater Sacramento region and meet up regularly throughout the week.<\/p>\n

Black Girls RUN!<\/a><\/p>\n

The mission of Black Girls RUN! is to encourage making fitness and healthy living a priority. Weekly runs are held across Sacramento with women of all ages and abilities welcome.<\/p>\n

Buffalo Chips Running Club<\/a><\/p>\n

The Buffalo Chips Running Club is the Sacramento area\u2019s largest, oldest and friendliest running club, according to its website.<\/p>\n

Runs:<\/p>\n

Tuesday \u2013 6:00pmSaturday \u2013 8:00amSunday \u2013 8:00amCap Tappers<\/a><\/p>\n

Join the Cap Tappers every Monday evening at 6:30 p.m. for a run followed by a meet up to have a beer, according to the club\u2019s website.<\/p>\n

Runs:<\/p>\n

2222 Fair Oaks Blvd, SacramentoMondays at 6:30 pmClaimstake Run Crew<\/a><\/p>\n

Claimstake Run Crew brings a weekly running group to Rancho Cordova and of course, it\u2019s out of Claimstake Brewing. There are no fees to join and everyone is welcome according to Claimstake Run Crew.<\/p>\n

Runs:<\/p>\n

11366 Monier Park Place, Rancho CordovaWednesday at 6:30 pmFit4mom<\/a><\/p>\n

FIT4MOM Run Club + program is designed for any level of runner with customized weekly training plans and tools to track your progress.<\/p>\n

Black Men Run<\/a><\/p>\n

The Black Men Run group is meant to encourage health and wellness among African American men by promoting a culture of running\/jogging to keep fit, resulting in \u201cA Healthy Brotherhood,\u201d according to the group\u2019s social media.<\/p>\n

Sloppy Moose Running Club<\/p>\n

To join, simply show up at Bike Dog Brewery in West Sacramento (2568 Industrial Blvd #110) at 6:30pm. Come a little early to sign in, buy some beer tokens and meet some people. Runs are approximately 3 miles\/5K for all ability levels.<\/p>\n

SloppyMooseRunningClub@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n

Trail Running Adventures<\/a><\/p>\n

Trail Running Adventures aims to have fun and provide motivation. The group\u2019s motto is simple, \u201cno runner left behind,\u201d according to its Facebook page.<\/p>\n

FrontRunners\/Walkers<\/a><\/p>\n

The LGBTQ running and walking club welcomes everyone including allies, according to the group\u2019s Facebook page.<\/p>\n

Runs:<\/p>\n

Saturdays at 9 a.m. at University Avenue side of the Guy West BridgeCorremos Sacramento<\/a><\/p>\n

Corremos Sacramento is a Latino-led running club and community for outdoor activities including running and other outdoor sports.<\/p>\n

Run or walk:<\/p>\n

Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Fairy Tale Town in Land ParkThursdays at 6 p.m. at Wild Runners Fair OaksSaturdays 7 a.m. at Wild Runners Fair Oaks or 8 a.m. at Bueno Cafe.Sacramento Run Club<\/a><\/p>\n

Sacramento Run Club is one of Sacramento\u2019s newest run clubs built on diversity and community. The club meets at The Barn \u2013 Drake\u2019s Brewing Co. 985 Riverfront St. in West Sacramento.<\/p>\n

Tuesday \u2013 7:00 p.m.Wednesday \u2013 7:30 a.m.Thursday \u2013 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.Friday \u2013 8:00 a.m.Saturday \u2013 8:00 a.m.Sunday \u2013 7:45 a.m. and 8:00 a.m.Trail Sisters \u2013 Auburn<\/a><\/p>\n

Trail Sisters Auburn invites all women interested in trail running and hiking, building friendship, and supporting each other, according to the group\u2019s website. The group\u2019s mission is to increase women\u2019s participation and opportunity in trail running and hiking through inspiration, education and empowerment.<\/p>\n

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\n \"Profile
\n <\/a><\/p>\n

Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado<\/a><\/p>\n

The Sacramento Bee<\/p>\n

Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado is a service journalism reporter at The Sacramento Bee. She previously worked at the Star Democrat in Annapolis, Maryland. Veronica graduated from Georgetown University with a master\u2019s degree in journalism.\n <\/p>\n