Eugene runner starts Stride Sisters after divorce, creating healing community

Jennifer Zarazua, a Eugene runner, turned a personal healing journey after a divorce in late 2023 into Stride Sisters, an all-women running club focused on community and wellness. The group meets weekly at Alton Baker Park every Saturday at 10 a.m., and organizers say it welcomes women of all fitness levels.

Stride Sisters is designed as a low-barrier entry point for women who want to use running to connect with neighbors, improve physical and mental health, and build a sense of belonging. The club’s public schedule and open invitation make it easy for newcomers to join without formal registration or fees. "So I think that it hits the two major spots that I'm very passionate about, and that's community and health and wellness," Zarazua said. "And so this group combines the best of both worlds."

Weekly meets at Alton Baker Park place the club squarely within Eugene’s network of public recreation spaces, where accessible outdoor programs can complement municipal offerings and informal civic life. Stride Sisters gathers every Saturday at 10 a.m. and welcomes all runners, creating predictable opportunities for civic engagement through shared use of public amenities.

The group’s emphasis, Zarazua says, is less about appearance and more about emotional and physical resilience. "What I want is women to come in here not to worry about what you should look like, but it's about what you should feel," Zarazua said. "And that's strength, empowerment, and excitement." That framing resonates with participants seeking a supportive environment after life transitions and aligns with community priorities around mental health and neighborhood connection.

Stride Sisters has a social media presence that reinforces its mission. Its Instagram includes language describing the group as "a place of healing, strength, and mental clarity for our community ... Walkers, Runners, and Dreamers, Find your stride. Find your tribe," reflecting an inclusive approach that acknowledges varied paces and abilities.

For Lane County residents, Stride Sisters demonstrates how individual initiative can expand community options for health and social support without requiring formal institutions. The club’s use of Alton Baker Park highlights ongoing questions for local policymakers: how to support grassroots recreation efforts, ensure safe and well-maintained public spaces, and connect informal groups with city resources when needed.

Stride Sisters offers a concrete, recurring option for women seeking connection on a Saturday morning. For those interested in joining, the group meets at Alton Baker Park at 10 a.m. on Saturdays; for civic leaders and parks staff, the club underscores the value of accessible outdoor programming that supports public health and neighborhood ties.