Timeless Runners began with a small group and an idea: create a space for runners to show up every Sunday. Founded in 2019 by Ismael Esparza, the group has grown from a small circle of friends and family members into one of Houston’s most respected clubs.
“The idea really started around late 2017 or early 2018,” Esparza explains. “At first it was just me, my wife, and a few of my sisters. Back then, there weren’t many run clubs, especially ones doing long runs on Sundays. Most groups met on Saturdays, so I wanted to create something different.”
That something different became the foundation of Timeless. What began as a way to stay active and reconnect with running quickly turned into a weekly tradition. “Slowly but surely, more people started showing up on Sundays,” Esparza says. “As it’s grown, it’s become a real community. A place where people can meet up, stay active, and be around others who are working toward something.”
Today, Sundays are still a huge part of the club. Runners gather at Memorial Park at 6:00 a.m., taking off around 6:20 for long runs ranging from 10 to 14 miles. But what sets these runs apart isn’t just the mileage, it’s the structure. “We take pride in our work ethic,” Esparza says. “We consider ourselves an endurance run club, focused on half marathons and up. But we’re also very organized. On Sundays, we have different pace groups, A through E, ranging from about a 5-minute pace to 11-minute pace, each with pacers. That way, no one feels left behind.”
While Sundays are the bread and butter, Wednesdays bring a different type of run into the Timeless experience. Known as Wellness Wednesdays, these social runs are designed to be more relaxed and welcoming, especially for newer runners.
“Wednesdays are really for anyone who might be a little intimidated to show up to a long run,” Esparza says. “We usually do 3 to 4 miles at places like Saint Arnold’s, Beetlejuice, or Gristworkz. It’s more social, but still active. It gives people a chance to get comfortable.”
That balance between structure and inclusivity is a big part of what makes Timeless stand out. “We’re more than just a social club, we’re a little bit of everything,” Esparza adds. “We work hard, but we’re welcoming like a family.”
Over the years, that mindset has turned into results. The club has produced dozens of personal records, delivered strong performances at major races like the Chevron Houston Marathon and Texas Independence Relay, and even seen members take on the ultra-distance scene. This year alone, the group celebrated around 30 PRs, along with second- and fourth-place finishes at TIR.
Still, for Esparza, the biggest milestone isn’t a time or a medal. “It’s seeing how close people have become,” he says. “Running brings people together, and we’ve built something that keeps them coming back.”
To follow the Timeless Runners, you can find them on Instagram at timelessrunners.
