Have an insatiable love of running, or looking to start a new fitness journey with a support system?

The new South Cape Run Club will host its first meeting Wednesday, Sept. 4, at Eight-Foot Brewing starting at 6 p.m. Founded by Cape resident Ariana Murillo, the club’s first meeting will feature an introduction to prospective members, discuss the routes to be taken and offer an opportunity to get to know one another. Each Wednesday after that at 6 p.m., the runs will start and end at the brewery.

“I was looking for something to bring the community together,” Murillo said of why she wanted to organize the club. “I know Southwest Florida does a great job at doing that, and I wanted to contribute. I believe in the power of community, and running together keeps us accountable and pushes us to achieve our goals. Every step forward brings us closer together, and it’s all about the perseverance as a community.”

The club is for all runners, or even walkers, of all ages and skill levels.

“It’s for anyone that’s looking to get motivated, and stay motivated with a community,” Murillo said. “It’s more than just a workout. I always find ways that helps us maintain clarity of mind and things like that. It’s not just about the physical benefits of running. It reduces stress, improves sleep and keeps you feeling positive throughout the day. And that’s what I think community is, is keeping that positive mindset and pushing forward every day and giving it our best.”

Club members can either show up on their own, or bring a group of friends to keep pace with. Each Wednesday run will be a 5K on a mapped-out route, with participants completing the course in their own time.

“Go at your own pace,” Murillo said. “Some may be training for a marathon, some aren’t and are just being around friends. Everyone can do their own thing. After, we’ll meet and talk about how we did.”

As for how she’d like to see the club grow, Murillo said with the size of the city, being able to put the club on the map for bringing people together for fitness and overall well-being is the goal.

“I really do strive to make us one of the largest run clubs,” she said. “There are others in the area, and I hope they join and vice-versa. My overall goal is just to get as many people out and active in any way. A body in motion stays in motion, and that’s kind of what I live by.”

There is no membership cost to join the South Cape Run Club, with all meet-ups and runs free to take part in.

Murillo’s message to anyone who wants to start a fitness journey, or is feeling hesitant about being able to “keep up” during a long-distance run, she said, “Anyone looking to make that first step, they’re already winning by thinking about it. Now it’s just about getting out there and doing the best that they can each and every time they do any fitness activity. It’s not about being better than anyone else or keeping pace, it’s about the community that is going to cheer them on.

“For anyone that is looking to get started, do it, and you do the best you can.”

Murillo, who is a mortgage loan officer with Primary Residential Mortgage, said balancing a healthy work/heath lifestyle is a vital aspect of any fitness journey, and promotes an overall healthy life.

“Balancing work and health isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential,” she said. “Incorporating fitness into your daily routine boosts your energy, sharpens your mind and reduces stress. When you prioritize your health, you’re not only improving your life, but also becoming more productive at work. A healthy body fuels a healthy mind. It’s essential to make time for both.”

Murillo has been a Southwest Florida resident going on eight years, and has been a member of various run clubs throughout the region, as well as a life-long runner/athlete.

For more information on the South Cape Run Club, search for the club’s name on Facebook.

Eight-Foot Brewing is at 1520 S.E. 46th Lane.