By Cary Shuman
What began as an idea between Anthony White of Caffe Dello Sport East Boston and local resident Yahaira Acuna has blossomed into one of the most popular weekly athletic happenings in the neighborhoods of Boston.
Caffe Dello Sport, a small business located at 973 Saratoga Street and run by the original owner’s family operation in the North End for the last 37 years, is the official host for We Run Eastie’s weekly 5-kilometer runs on Tuesday nights.
The popular Italian café – which features a full bar, gelato, panini, desserts, sandwiches, espresso, latte, Aperol Spritz, espresso martini, draft beer, and cold brew – celebrated its first anniversary on May 10.
White explained the origin of the healthy partnership between his popular shop and its customers who enjoy running as a hobby and a way to maintain physical fitness.
“We knew Boston had experienced a long, cold winter and Yahaira and I wanted to give people a reason or something to look forward to come spring,” said White. “Our inaugural run was on Tuesday, May 19, a day with severe thunderstorms and temperatures in the high 90s and 100 percent humidity. But we made it!”
White said that Yahaira introduced him to group co-founder Paola Villatoro, “and the partnership was formed with thoughts and collaborations and an emphasis on community involvement and conversations between people and the movement of the mind, body and soul.”
We Run Eastie is described as an all-inclusive social fitness group that meets once a week every Tuesday at 6 p.m. for a stretch before the run starts at 6:30 p.m. Drinks and refreshments are not serve before and after the run.
Villatoro said she and Yahaira started the We Run Eastie club “as a way to bring our East Boston community’s neighbors together.”
“I also work from home, and I feel like this is an opportunity to bring the community to a local spot and show them a local business that welcomes them with coffee, a drink, water, and also shows them a run club that encourages people to participate at their own pace,” said Villatoro. “Sometimes people will walk [the course], sometimes people will run. Some bring their strollers. So, really, it’s a run club where movement from everyone is appreciated.”
A welcoming environment
and a cozy atmosphere
White, who has seen Caffe Dello Sport become a major hub for soccer fans of all nationalities during the World Cup (there is a large-screen television and a back patio inside the café), treasures the commitment and support from We Run Eastie members.
“We really appreciate everyone’s commitment to running each week and being part of the club,” said White. “Hopefully we have a very long future in engaging in the community, having a conversation, and being detached at least for an hour a week from our iPhone, where we can put the phone down and sit in a group and talk about our lives and where we’re from, where we’ve been, what we’d like to in the future, and how we can all bond together – whether it be with a coffee, an adult beverage. We can talk about soccer or our travels, out families, our heritage, or our culture.”
White said the movement aspect of the club is “very important.”
“It’s not just sit and sip. It’s get up and move,” concluded White.
We Run Eastie runners
talk running and Caffe
Co-founder Yahaira Acuna
“I love how we have been able to partner with Caffe dello Sport. There’s a real sense of being able to create a community, to be healthy and run or walk – we welcome all paces. It’s just good to get to know your neighbors, socialize after work. We’re happy with what we’ve been able to build here in East Boston.”
Katherine Sennott
“I really love We Run Eastie. It’s a great way to get outside and get moving in the evenings. Sometimes, it’s just great to have that motivation to go somewhere after work, see other people, hang out, and get some exercise. It’s been a great activity for all.”
Chris Black
“I moved back here a couple of years ago. I was working full-time remote for a long time, and I thought it was really unhealthy. So, now I get out of the house almost every day of the week. I love the atmosphere and the food and drink offerings at Caffé dello Sport. I heard from their North End location that they were opening in East Boston. I followed it on Instagram, and I saw that they posted information about a running club, and that’s how I ended up here.”
Robert White
“I like staying fit, and running plays a big role in that. When I met Anthony on the running trail, he invited me to part of We Run Eastie, and it was no-brainer for me as running helps me to stay in shape. I’m happy to be running with the other members. It’s been fantastic so far, so for the foreseeable future, I’ll be here taking part.”