Lez Run, an all-lesbian running club based in Philadelphia, Pa., has been around since its inception in November 2013. Founded by C.C. Téllez as a Meetup, the group now has over 125 members of varying skill levels and, most importantly, is a group where lesbian runners can be out and proud. Lez Run’s focus “is to provide lesbian athletes (newbies and vets) a safe, supportive and healthy outlet via running.”

You can find Lez Run members training in bright red club jerseys sporting their team name all over Philly at least two times a week. Local runners who are interested in joining can find more information here.

The group is continuing to grow in membership and also in focus. Lez Run, which C.C. hopes will become a national (even international) group, has recently become affiliated with OPAL (Out Philadelphia Athletic League) (https://www.facebook.com/OPALsports), who, as Cecilia Isaacs-Blundin, a co-organizer of the group says, is “really glad to have Lez Run out there.”

They are also fundraising for Students Run Phila Style (http://www.studentsrunphilly.org), an organization that pairs students with running mentors, to supply basic gear for running, including socks and sports bras. Teresa Notaristefano, another co-organizer of the club, is a reading specialist and running coach at a local middle school, and for her, this particular way of giving back, holds great meaning.

As the group continues to branch out and grow into different training groups for different levels (and potentially into new cities), the support system that is being provided to lesbian runners in the community remains constant.

C.C. Téllez, Founder, Lez Run

Why is Lez Run important to you?

"I created Lez Run as a way of paying it forward or running it forward as I like to call it. Running has done so much for me, spiritually and physically. Through this club I was able to achieve several PR’s and first place medals. I’ve also competed in many different cities and countries. I’ve met elite runners known worldwide and I also just recently qualified for the Boston Marathon. But medals and personal achievements aside, the best part of starting this club has being getting to meet and know my runners. Our diverse group has everything anyone could hope for. Each runner brings a special flair to the club and I look forward to every run and race with them. I’m proud to run with my members and represent our lesbian community. We are a strong group of women that grow stronger by providing each other support and encouragement. I believe that Lez Run has a bright future ahead of it and I look forward to seeing it grow."

Teresa Notaristefano, Co-Organizer, Lez Run

Why is Lez Run important to you?

"To me, Lez Run means camaraderie. I joined the club hoping to meet a few people who enjoyed running as much as I did. We push each other, challenge each other, laugh with each other and cheer each other on. When I was training for my first marathon, they ran with me on my long weekend runs. We're not just a club, we're a team."

Cecilia Isaacs-Blundin, Co-Organizer, Lez Run

Why is Lez Run important to you?

"Even though I was on the Cross Country and Track teams in high school and completed three marathons in my late-teens/early 20s, going out for a run was always something I dreaded. Back then, I didn’t know anything about proper nutrition or hydration, and I always ran alone for fear of slowing someone else down. So I quit in 2003 and never expected to pin on another racing bib … until Lez Run. Over the past year, I’ve formed some deep and long-lasting friendships with women who truly love the sport. Along the way, I’ve learned how to train properly, shaving more than two minutes off my mile pace and growing to love feel of a long run in any weather."

Olinshar Nguyen

Why is Lez Run important to you?

"When I started running three years ago, I mostly trained for races on my own or with one or two other friends. Finding other runners with similar interests has been challenging. I've joined other running clubs to help me with my finish time goals, but only Lez Run was successful in convincing me to leave a happy hour early to do hill repeats in 40 degree weather."

Leona J. Thomas

Why is Lez Run important to you?

"I was a little hesitant signing up when I saw the Lez Run group when I found it on Meetup. I am an (aging) ex-jock working my way back into being more active, but I’m certainly not a competitive runner anymore – in fact, while I’ll walk for mile, I hadn’t run any significant distance for year. At the same time, I was looking for new workout partners because I was losing my regular workout partners unexpectedly.

The idea of a lesbian running club was definitely intriguing, but I knew I couldn’t keep up with them right now. The message said “all levels welcome” – so I decided to say what the heck, I’ll give it a try.

Lucky for me, one of the events coming up was a social “happy hour.” When I arrived, there was a group already there who clearly knew each other – but they welcomed me right in. That same night, I learned about the “couch to 5k” program – geared towards getting people started, and I learned that several people in the club were already doing the program. They convinced me that night to give it a try. I found the group to be incredibly supportive and encouraging.

I’ve hosted a couple runs using a couch to 5k app as the guide– which starts off early in the program as more of a run/walk. Some of the stronger runners came out to join those runs – and to my surprise, adjusted down to my pace to run with me when they clearly could have left me in the dust. I still don’t feel quite ready to go out for the weekly three milers, but I know that hesitation comes from me, not the club. Even though I’m probably one of the older, and definitely one of the slower, runners – I’ve always felt welcomed with the groups and an occasional gentle nudge to help getting me moving. I think the balance between runs and social activities really makes a difference in getting to know each other. Not shooting for a competitive run – just to get up to the clubs weekly 3 milers by spring. And I’m sure now that I’ve written this, someone’s going to be checking in to make sure that I get there."

Kat Ulrich

Why is Lez Run important to you?

"I joined "Lez Run" as a newcomer to Philadelphia. I found quickly that it is led by and comprised of wonderful, welcoming running enthusiasts of all levels. Their support and encouragement has enabled me to improve significantly as a runner. Their dedication and enthusiasm has inspired me to continue to set new goals for myself. In addition, the leaders of Lez Run create opportunities to socialize within the group, with other groups and to support local charitable causes. The "Lez Run" women are not only running partners, but also friends. We run hard and play almost as hard!! I am so grateful and proud to be a "Lez Run"ner!"

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