More Than Miles: How Pineapple Grove Run Club is Building Community in Delray Beach

Who are the Founders?

RJ Rizl and Rob Cordoba founded Pineapple Grove Run Club in 2025. According to co-founder Robert Cordoba, RJ approached him with the idea of starting a run club in downtown Delray Beach as part of a New Year's resolution. Both were already active runners, and they invited a group of friends to join them. The original run started with just 12 runners in 2025, and over time grew into something bigger, affecting the community of Delray Beach. 

What is Pineapple Grove Run Club?

They are community focused running group based in the Pineapple Grove district of Delray Beach. It brings together runners and walkers of all experience levels for regular group runs, fitness, and social events. Their goal is to improve members fitness while also having fun and making new friends. This group has a strong focus on building and strengthening the community within Delray Beach. They are built on inclusiveness for all runners. Whether you are just starting out, or have been running for years, this club is the fit for you. 

When and Where Does Pineapple Grove Run Club Meet? 

Every Saturday at 9:00am in the Surf District Lot in Downtown Delray, and every Tuesday at 6:45pm on the Turf by the Ray Hotel. Both of these routes consist of a distance around 3.1 miles. 

Why Do Run Clubs Matter? 

In a society that is so dialed in on social media and the internet, run clubs serve as a way for people to form genuine connections with one another. Run clubs bring together people from different backgrounds who might never otherwise meet. New residents, longtime locals, young professionals, families, and retirees all have a reason to connect around a shared activity. These groups can improve mental health by helping combat feelings of isolation. Running has also been known to improve mental health by reducing stress and improving one's overall well being. 

Whether you are a consistent runner or not, these run clubs hold accountability for members. It is a lot easier to skip a run when you are alone, but with friends at a run club you are more likely to show up and show out.

If you are new to Delray Beach and are trying to find a community, Pineapple Grove Run Club is the best place to start.