Little Village Running Group: Inspired By Wind

Running has been a growing fad all over the country but more, in Chicago, the Windy City. Running clubs have been popping up all over the city, especially in Latino neighborhoods. Pilsen has the Warrior running group, while east of the neighborhood has seen the recent development of the Chi City Running Club.

The Warriors, over time, have expanded to outer neighborhoods like Midway and Brighton Park. One of the most recent running groups is to develop though in Little Village is called Viento, which started in October of 2012.

Founded by a group of experienced runners and triathletes, the group has begun to grow in size and in distance. LatinoDr.org had the opportunity to speak with co-founder of the group, Jessica Vergara, runner and triathlete.

Read on for more insight into the running group including how to join.

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LD: Why did Viento start? 

JV: We started the running club for the sole purpose of having a group of like minded people to run in our neighborhood together to promote a healthy lifestyle, community involvement, and to motivate our friends and neighbors in achieving lifetime goals.

LD: How many people are involved?

JV: There are four founders, whom at least two of the four show up to every run. We have about 25-40 runners/joggers who show up to the runs, but we are hoping to bring in more.

LD: What has this done for the community of Little Village?

JV: I think that Viento helped change the perspective that the community and those outside of the community had about Little Village. We have had such positive feedback from everyone in the community wanting to help out, join, cheer us on. Its been a wonderful reaction. Viento is really a group that brings people who want to feel safe and run in their neighborhood, to keep healthy, and just getting to know our neighborhood in a more intimate level and appreciate the people who live here. We are truly a running family.

LD: What are the benefits of having a running group?

JV: The benefits of having a running group is creating another family of people who are there to motivate you and your goals. Not only do our runners come together to run but they are also there to celebrate life events. The group really is bringing neighbors together and enjoying our neighborhood in a different way.

How many races or -athalons have you participated in?

As a group we have participated in the Shamrock Shuffle. We are currently working with Beyond the Ball for their El Grito 5k taking place before the Mexican Independence Parade on September 8, and also with Lawndale Christian Fitness Center’s Lawndale 5k on September 28. We want to promote local races in the neighborhood and involve the community.

Although we have those races coming up, many from our team are preparing for races. We have many of our beginner runners who started with us back in October racing their first ever half marathon, we have runners preparing for their first or (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th) Chicago marathon, and lastly we have a couple runners conquering the Chicago Triathlon on the 25th of August. Our Viento runners have been busy training this whole summer and are preparing to rock these races.

What type of goals do people have within the running group?

There is no one goal for the group other than to help and motivate others to achieve their personal goals.

How experienced is the most experienced runner?

I believe the most experienced runner, Mr. Arias (who I believe is also over 50) has run more than four marathons and plenty of other races and is one of our fastest runners. Hes truly an inspiration for our team.

 Who can join?

Anyone can join. From walkers, to those wanting to start to run, joggers, runners, etc. We have families that bring their kids out to run to older seasoned runners. Age range is 10 to 60 years old.

 How do you join?

To join us just show up on any day that we meet to run. It’s free.

Where do you run?
We primarily run in the Little Village area. Each day we run there is a different route and different mileage. At least once or twice a month we switch it up and take mini field trips to run by the lake or do trail runs.