Renegade: Expanding Inclusion in Sport

Renegade, an independent, Oakland-based running store founded in 2020 by Victor Diaz, set out with two core principles: to create an inclusive running, cycling, and trail-running community, and to offer cutting-edge workout gear from independent brands around the world. Rooted in Oakland's revolutionary spirit, Renegade has become a hub for diverse athletes, with a focus on welcoming underrepresented communities into the joy of sport.

“We wanted to make the space available to everyone,” Victor explained. “Renegade is a way of honoring anyone who’s active and making that space bigger.”

As Renegade opens its second location in Los Angeles, it’s doubling down on that mission, using Strava’s tools – such as Strava clubs and posts – to grow and connect with its community.

Using Strava to Build an Inclusive Community

Strava Clubs have been crucial to Renegade’s community-building success. In Oakland, its Strava club has grown to over 3,000-members, offering a safe space where athletes of all backgrounds – whether seasoned or just starting out – can connect, share their progress, and support each other.

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Renegade’s Strava club fosters inclusivity, allowing individuals who might have felt excluded from or intimidated by traditional fitness spaces to find belonging and encouragement. Members regularly share updates, personal stories, and advice, creating a lively and supportive online space that complements Renegade’s in-store and in-person efforts. Posts have become a way for athletes to celebrate milestones, such as first trail runs or long-distance cycling achievements, adding to the camaraderie.

 “We started out with a weekly run, then added trail runs and group bike rides,” Victor shared. “Now we also host women-only meet-up runs, women-only trail runs, and track nights. Everything is communicated over Strava. And the great thing about using Strava is that we can put maps and point out bathrooms and parking, as well as carpooling information to make it easy for anyone to join.”

Renegade uses Strava’s tools to keep members motivated and informed. For instance, the weekly Sunday Community Run is announced with all the essentials via Strava: route maps, elevation, duration, distance, parking spots, and water stations. Each post specifies the type of run – road or trail – and includes accessibility notes so runners of all levels feel comfortable joining.

This attention to detail makes it easier for participants to prepare both physically and mentally, ensuring everyone feels welcome. In addition to organizing events, Victor uses Strava’s data-sharing capabilities to offer personalized support. “I can look at someone’s activity and let them know they’ve had a great week of running. It’s a good way for me to figure out where they’re at with their running and how to help them with their training by offering pointers based on their experience and activities,” he explained.

Renegade’s Mission Thrives in LA

As Renegade expands to Los Angeles, it will launch a new Strava club to engage with the city’s diverse athletic scene. The goal is to replicate the inclusive, supportive environment that has flourished in Oakland. Renegade’s LA store will host regular group runs, rides, and trail adventures, organized by the Renegade team and guest crews, making sure everyone can find their group, whether they’re navigating urban streets or LA’s scenic trails.

“We’re going to host runs and rides from our new shop and we’ll be partnering with local riding and running clubs and brands who will ride or run out of our shop, too. We will make the space available, and we will always be a place to come together,” Victor shared.