Rising Stars: Meet Rizzo Ruiz of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rizzo Ruiz

Rizzo, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I run all over the Los Angeles running community, the nation and the world and just returned from running the Berlin marathon. I grew up in the sport as both my parents ran marathons. This year I have been selected as a Los Angeles Marathon race ambassador., where I am a representative of the race to inspire and motivate the running community to participate in this years race, the 40th running of the Los Angeles Marathon on March 16, 2025.

I recently started a podcast called The Rizzo Run Club Podcast where I interview running community leaders in the Los Angeles area to tell their stories of running. I film each week in Venice Beach, CA. With the podcast, part of the mission of the show is I am making the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon accessible to those who cannot afford the high registration fees. I feel like running a race such as Los Angeles Marathon, should be accessible to everyone. After running from community to community in Los Angeles, I noticed a lot ion runners not running the Los Angeles Marathon because of the high fees. Even a local 5k could cost upwards of $60-$80. Running should be for everyone and through my website, runners can apply for assistance or make donations to help someone in the community run the 2025 Los Angeles Marathon.

The Los Angeles Marathon is in my blood as I watched my parents run it as a kid, later on running in the race myself and joining my sister and Uncle in the race as well. Many years later, I met my wife in the Los Angeles Marathon at mile 13 and years later, proposed to her at the Los Angeles Marathon. I am hoping to help runners through my work and give back to running everything it has given me

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Running is such a beautiful sport that can provide so much mentally and physically. Training for marathons all year can be extremely taxing on the body. over the years, I have experienced several fractures from the stress of running but like life, when we have setbacks, you get right back up and keep moving forward.

Starting the podcast was a journey in itself. I knew initially I wanted to start it, I just had no idea how to do it. When I asked several friends or anyone related to photography and video production, nobody would help me so I studied from the internet and figured out how to do it myself. so far it has been a success and I am glad I took the leap of faith

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I shoot a lot of video and it’s very common that I am editing film to create stories of the running community as well as showcase all my running adventures all over the world. I have travelled all over the nation and world this year, telling stories of the running community and trying to show the world that no matter where we are located, we are all connected. I am usually known for different cinematography shots and it’s very common that I have a drone wherever I am. I believe I am most proud of staying true to myself and just trying to be Rizzo and not anyone else creating similar content

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Running is magic and can change your life, slow or fast or a walker, you can achieve anything as long as you believe in yourself. I often get asked by running communities to speak to their running clubs and communities to inspire and motivate them and this is the message I always share.
Lastly, I am planning on organizing the biggest free community run through the streets of Downtown Los Angeles when the Olympics come to Los Angeles in 2028. This event will help to showcase and show the world how incredible the Los Angeles running community is. Stay Tuned!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rizzorunclub.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rizzo.runs/
• Twitter: https://x.com/RizzoRuns
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@RizzoRunClub
• Other: https://www.youtube.com/@runwithrizzo