Many people are interested in joining a run club but worry they won’t be fast enough, experienced enough, or know anyone when they arrive. Gators Run Club was built to eliminate those fears. Since its founding in April 2025, the League City-based group has created a club where runners, walkers, families, and first-timers are encouraged to show up as they are.
Gators Run Club was created by Ricky Martinez and co-founder Lacey after they noticed a need for a running community closer to home. While Houston offers countless races and run clubs, Martinez saw an opportunity to bring that same energy and sense of belonging to League City.
“We wanted to do something for the local community,” Martinez said. “Some people can’t always make it to events in Houston, so we wanted to bring that experience to the League City area.” The response exceeded anything they expected.
“I didn’t realize how much it was needed in the area,” Martinez said.
What began with weekly meetups at Gators Bar and Grill quickly outgrew the space. Today, the club meets every Thursday at 6 p.m. at The Spot in League City, offering 2.5-mile, 5K, and 5-mile routes. The club’s inclusive atmosphere is best illustrated by one of its route leaders: Eleanor, a 10-year-old runner who leads the 5-mile group each week. That’s the kind of detail that reflects the culture Martinez wanted from the start. The club also hosts optional Sunday long runs that can take runners anywhere from Galveston to Houston.
While the club continues to grow, Martinez has worked hard to preserve the culture that made it successful from the beginning. “I didn’t want it to feel intimidating,” he said. That idea can be seen every week. Families push strollers, kids join the runs, walkers are encouraged, and runners of every pace are welcomed. Martinez personally greets newcomers and makes it a point to ensure everyone feels included.
“Give it a chance,” he said to anyone nervous about attending their first run club. “If you don’t like it, you don’t have to go back. But you could make a connection with anyone.”
The best example of Gators Run Club’s impact came during marathon training season, when eight members completed their first marathon. Many had never attempted long runs before joining the group. “Many of them told me if Gators hadn’t been around, they wouldn’t have signed up for the marathon,” Martinez said.
For Martinez, that’s what Gators Run Club is all about: creating a place where everyone feels welcome, supported, and celebrated, whether they’re chasing a marathon goal or showing up for an easy walk/jog with friends.
If you’re interested in a special running event, this Sunday, June 14, Gators Run Club will be meeting at Dick’s Sporting Goods with Running Alliance Sport at 6:30 a.m.
