The Thursday Night Twilight Series, a signature night program of Boogie Down Bronx Runners, has been shining brightly for nine consecutive years in the Bronx.
This program transforms beginners into runners and recreational runners into marathoners, one drill at a time.
In the Bronx, where most tracks go dark after sunset, the Thursday Night Twilight Series stands out as a beacon of light. For nine years, it has been the heartbeat of Boogie Down Bronx Runners, and last night was no exception.
Under the deep blue twilight sky, over 15 runners lined up in perfect formation on the grass infield. They were sweaty, smiling, and moving in harmony, embodying the spirit of night action. This is where Bronx runners have achieved remarkable improvements, shaving off as much as an hour off their marathon times.
This isn’t just a run club; it’s a running academy. One veteran member, Bertha Ramos, expressed the program’s philosophy, stating, “We don’t need light because we radiate our own brilliance in the darkness.” And it’s evident. The program’s secret lies in its focus on fundamentals.
The 6:15 PM Rule
The group starts punctually at 6:15 PM sharp, no Bronx time or grace period. Drills and warmups commence immediately on the minute. Last night’s session was led by longtime track group leaders Marcelo and Levi, who have guided the group from a small group of beginners to a disciplined squad. Coach Tito shared this insight.
The curriculum is meticulously designed to analyze video footage of runners’ own form and posture. Coach and members film each other, break down the footage, and provide real-time corrections.
The drill formation, which has evolved over nine years, comprises six major sessions, including but not limited to:
1. A-Skips and B-Skips for foot strike and cadence.
2. High Knees and Butt Kicks for knee drive and hamstring activation.
3. Carioca and Lateral Shuffles for hip mobility and stability.
4. Striders and Form Sprints for posture and arm swing.
5. Ankle and Calf Activation Walks for injury prevention.
6. Video Analysis Cool-Down: Learn by watching yourself move.
Coach Tito emphasized during warmups that the focus is not on running fast on Thursday but on learning to run correctly so that you can run fast on Sunday.
Walkers and Run/Walkers are welcome to join the Twilight Series. You don’t have to be a marathoner to participate. In fact, most members started as walkers or run/walkers. The Twilight Series was specifically designed for them a safe, supportive, and ego-free environment to learn the fundamentals that most recreational runners never receive.
From first-time 5K walkers to Boston qualifiers, everyone drills together on the same line. Over the past nine years, the Boogie Down Bronx Runners have come a long way, but their mission remains unchanged: to teach the Bronx to run better, stronger, and together. Their goal is always to prioritize health, wellness, and the fitness for everyone involved which has always the primary focus of Boogie Down Bronx Runners built by Tito Perez and Lenin Grullon over 9 years.
Interested in joining? The Thursday Night Twilight Series meets every Thursday at 6:15 p.m. Walkers, run/walkers, and all paces are welcome. To learn more and find our location, visit our website at Boogiedownbronxrunners.org. tag our IG at Boogie Down Bronx Runners
Photo Credit: Thursday Night Twilight Series, 2026 Boogie Down Bronx Runners