RedZone Runners Spotlight: Stories from the 49ers Run Club

Members of the San Francisco 49ers share how running has shaped their mindset, built connections across departments, and inspired them to take on races.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 6:55pm by Ben Kaplan

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Today, we're spotlighting RedZone Runners, the San Francisco 49ers organization-wide run club that brings employees together through movement, community, and shared goals. From first-time racers to seasoned runners, members across departments use running as a way to reset, connect, and challenge themselves outside of their day-to-day roles.

Why it matters

The 49ers run club highlights how physical activity and shared goals can foster community and camaraderie within a large organization, benefiting both individual well-being and team culture.

The details

The article features stories from several members of the 49ers RedZone Runners club, including their motivations for running, the events they've completed, and how the club has impacted their work and personal lives. The runners discuss topics like the mental and physical challenges of running, the sense of accomplishment from achieving goals, and the community-building aspect of the club.

  • The 49ers run club has been active for an unspecified period of time, with members sharing their experiences from past races and events.

The players

Brad Dugan

A member of the 49ers RedZone Runners club who has completed multiple marathons, including the San Francisco Marathon twice, the California International Marathon, the OC Marathon, and the Mt. Charleston Marathon.

Cassandra Jobe

A member of the 49ers RedZone Runners club who has completed the Golden Gate Half Marathon, but has faced challenges with shin splints that have impacted her running.

Nate Stovak

A member of the 49ers RedZone Runners club who completed the Rock 'n' Roll San Jose Half Marathon, running the entire race in jorts and having a memorable experience.

Kaya Binetti

A former collegiate sprinter who is now a member of the 49ers RedZone Runners club, and has found that running contributes to her overall well-being and mental health.

Ahmed Shaikh

A member of the 49ers RedZone Runners club who has completed three events, including a challenging Half Marathon Spartan race.

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What they’re saying

“The grind of running long distances is very similar to the grind of the NFL calendar. Both force you to test your boundaries and tap into energy reserves you didn't know you had.”

— Brad Dugan (statenews.net)

“Currently in it! I've been running on shin splints the past couple years and it resulted in minor fractures to my shins. I'm going to physical therapy to get me back in action. It's been really hard not being able to run as this is a huge part of my life and mental health, but trying to channel it in new ways and get more comfortable in the gym!”

— Cassandra Jobe (statenews.net)

“My mantra when I run is simple: I need to make it home. I will purposely run as far from my house as I can before I turn back because it forces me to push through the tough miles instead of cutting the run short. Once I am out there, I have no choice but to finish what I started and finish strong. It makes me commit to the training in a way that I otherwise might not.”

— Nate Stovak (statenews.net)

“Running greatly improves my overall well-being. During runs, it allows me to briefly disconnect and focus on the moment: breathing, tempo, and the challenge I'm facing. Running also allows me to set goals for myself to break, which keeps the sport interesting over the long term.”

— Ahljenn Mallari (statenews.net)

“A few mantras I run through during the tough miles: This is what believing in myself looks like. It is a privilege to run. One day I won't be able to run 13 miles, but today is not that day. The person after this hill will be a different person, and I'm ready to meet that me.”

— Charis Mangulabnan (statenews.net)

The takeaway

The stories from the 49ers RedZone Runners club showcase how running can be a powerful tool for building community, improving mental and physical well-being, and fostering a sense of shared purpose within a large organization. The club's inclusive and supportive approach has helped members across departments connect, challenge themselves, and find joy in the sport of running.