Grateful Treads: Palos Verdes & South Bay Community Walk & Run Group
Grateful Treads: A Community Walk & Run Group in Palos Verdes Estates
Where friendships begin, miles do not matter, and every Friday is a fresh start.
Grateful Treads began in 2022 as a simple way to get outside, enjoy exercise, explore Malaga Cove, Valmonte, the trails, the ocean, and the surrounding South Bay — and share a few stories, laughs, coffee, and breakfast with good people along the way.
Welcome to Grateful Treads
Some of the best ideas are the simplest ones.
Grateful Treads began in 2022 with a straightforward goal: gather a few friends, get outside, enjoy some exercise, and start the weekend surrounded by great people and beautiful scenery.
What started as a casual Friday morning walk and run has grown into a welcoming local community that brings together neighbors, friends, families, and newcomers from across the South Bay.
There are no membership fees, no sign-ups, no expectations, and no pressure. Just show up.
Whether you are an experienced runner, a casual walker, returning from an injury, training for your next race, or simply looking to meet good people, Grateful Treads is for you.
Cliff’s Notes
Who It Is For
- Walkers
- Walk-runners
- Joggers
- Experienced runners
- Beginners
- Neighbors and friends
What Makes It Easy
- No pace requirement
- No membership
- No obligation
- No need to come every week
- Coffee and breakfast afterward for anyone who wants to join
More Than Exercise
While movement brings us together, it is not really what Grateful Treads is about.
It is about connection. It is about starting the day with gratitude instead of stress. It is about conversations that never would have happened otherwise.
It is about laughing while climbing a hill, watching the morning light over the Pacific, sharing stories over coffee, and meeting neighbors you may have passed hundreds of times without ever knowing.
In a busy week and a busy world, Grateful Treads has become a moment of zen — a chance to connect at a local, community, and one-to-one level.
Exploring the Beauty of the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Every week is a little different. Some mornings move through the historic streets of Malaga Cove, some mornings explore Valmonte, and other days bring us closer to the ocean, bluffs, and open space that make this part of the South Bay so special. For more local area context, explore the Scherb Homes Group lifestyle maps.
Malaga Cove
Some mornings move through the historic streets and coastal charm around Malaga Cove Plaza.
Valmonte
Other days explore the peaceful trails, tree-lined streets, and neighborhood feel of Valmonte. You can also explore the Valmonte Streets A–Z guide.
Ocean & Bluffs
Sometimes the route climbs toward the bluffs, heads toward Lunada Bay, or simply follows a beautiful local loop through the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
No two mornings are exactly alike, and that is part of what makes the group special. The Palos Verdes Peninsula offers some of Southern California’s most beautiful scenery, and Grateful Treads gives everyone a chance to experience it together.
Every Pace Has a Place
One of the things that makes Grateful Treads unique is that there is no “right” pace.
Walk
Many participants walk the entire route and enjoy the morning at a conversational pace.
Walk-Run
Some alternate between walking and running depending on the route, fitness, and feel of the day.
Run
Others run farther before turning around, with everyone naturally reconnecting afterward.
Nobody is left out. Nobody is judged. Nobody needs to prove anything. There are no egos here — only encouragement.
A Community That Keeps Growing
Over the years, Grateful Treads has welcomed an incredible mix of people: neighbors, parents, business owners, students, retirees, endurance athletes, people recovering from injuries, individuals just beginning their fitness journey, and visitors from out of town.
Some come every Friday. Others join once every few months. Some stop by once a year when they are back in town. Everyone is treated exactly the same.
What People Find
Friendships, fresh air, laughter, movement, encouragement, local connection, and a healthy way to start the weekend.
Why It Works
The group continues to persist and grow because of the wonderful people, neighbors, and friends who are part of it.
Coffee Is Part of the Tradition
The miles may end, but the morning usually does not.
Afterward, many of us stay for coffee or breakfast nearby. Sometimes those conversations last longer than the walk itself.
Friendships have been formed. Business relationships have started. Advice has been shared. Life has been celebrated. Challenges have been talked through.
It is amazing what can happen when people simply spend time together.
Why I Started Grateful Treads
When I started Grateful Treads in 2022, I was not trying to create a club.
I simply wanted people to exercise with. Friends to share stories with. A reason to get outside before work. A healthy way to begin the weekend.
Over time, it became something much bigger than I ever imagined. It has introduced me to incredible people, strengthened existing friendships, created countless laughs, and reminded me every single week how valuable genuine human connection really is.
Friday mornings have become one of my favorite parts of the week — not because of the miles, but because of the people.
An Invitation to Join
If you have ever thought about joining, this is your invitation.
You Do Not Have to Be Fast
There is no speed requirement and no expectation that you run.
You Do Not Have to Know Anyone
New faces are always welcome, whether you come with a friend or arrive solo.
You Can Come Anytime
Come every week or once a year. The group is simply available whenever it works for you.
Walk. Talk. Smile. Meet someone new. Enjoy the fresh ocean air. Start your weekend with gratitude. And if this Friday does not work, we will see you next week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Grateful Treads free?
Yes. There is no cost to participate.
Do I need to register?
No. Simply show up and join the group.
Do I have to run?
Not at all. Many participants walk the entire route, while others alternate between walking and running.
What pace is the group?
Every pace is welcome. Small groups naturally form based on comfort and fitness level.
Who can join?
Anyone who enjoys getting outside and spending time with positive people. Ages have ranged from teenagers to participants well into their 80s.
Can I come if it is my first time?
Absolutely. New faces are always welcome.
Do people stay afterward?
Many do. Coffee and breakfast afterward have become one of the group’s favorite traditions.
Grateful Treads Is for Everyone
Grateful Treads is neighbors supporting neighbors, friends welcoming strangers, and a community built one conversation, one sunrise, and one Friday morning at a time.
In a fast-moving world, it is a reminder that staying active, caring for our physical and mental health, and spending time with good people are some of life’s greatest investments.
