A QnA with SFM Community Manager Damaris Gutierrez | Meet the Team

Damaris Gutierrez is a San Francisco Marathon Community Manager, a mother, and a runner. She’s the happiest when she gets to treat herself to food after a run with her friends. She joined the SFM team in 2023 as an ambassador and has been a steady source of inspiration not only for SFM runners but her colleagues, too.

In 2024, she ran the SFM Ultramarathon, showing grit and perseverance as she came through the finish after the cut-off, officially earning a DNF. This year, she’s coming back to claim an official finish.

Damaris was born and raised in Jalisco, Mexico. When she came to San Francisco, she didn’t have any family to stay with, nor friends to share her joys and trials with. “But thanks to the running community, I now have a strong support system and friends that I call my family,” she said.

For Damaris, becoming a part of the SFM community has been “an honor and a dream come true.” She’s always dreamt about doing something she loved for a living. As running found its way into her life and, eventually, into her heart,  she now gets to do what she loves every day.

“I get to talk about running, help others join us, and be a voice for this amazing community,” she said. “It makes every race feel more magical and meaningful.”

As a Latina woman, she’s also proud to show up for herself and for others, and to make sure every runner knows that they have a place in the sport and in the community.

“Our differences make us stronger, unique, and more connected,” she said. “They help us understand and support one another in ways that truly matter. The San Francisco Marathon wouldn’t be possible without all of you. Thank you for letting me be a part of it!”

 

Damaris Gutierrez on January 1, 2025, four years after she began her running streak. –>

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Damaris Gutierrez (@fit.dama)

Damaris’ QnA

SFM: Tell us a little about your running journey. How did you come to enjoy running?

DG: I didn’t enjoy running at first. But in 2021, I decided to make it my main activity as a way to face my fears head-on. I was dealing with social anxiety and realized avoiding uncomfortable situations was holding me back. So, I did the opposite—I put myself out there and learned to be okay with discomfort. Running became a way to push myself, and along the way, I grew to enjoy it.

SFM: What are your goals or aspirations for running right now?

DG: My main goal is to inspire others by sharing my running journey—the good, the bad, and everything in between. It not only motivates others but also keeps me accountable to myself, something I strive to improve on each year. I started with the goal of completing a half marathon, and now I’m running ultras just for fun!

SFM: What gives you motivation?

DG: To be honest, motivation hasn’t been a big factor in my journey. Many times, I had to push myself even when I didn’t feel like it. Sharing my struggles openly on social media helped me stay consistent and accountable. Managing mental health is never easy, but I refused to let fear take control of my life. Starting my running streak on 1/1/21 has been a huge part of that—it keeps me consistent, even on the days I don’t want to run.

SFM: What superpower would you choose?

DG: If I could choose a superpower, it would be making my personality my superpower. I used to think I hated being around people, but I’ve realized I’m actually very social! I love making others feel loved and happy. If I had the ability, my superpower would be to help people believe they can achieve the best version of themselves. The world would be a much better place if we all focused on doing more of what brings us joy.

SFM: Do you have a secret talent or unusual talent?

DG: Would running for 1,578 days [as of April 27, 2025] count as a secret or unusual talent? Haha! Honestly, I’m just a simple human in this big world. I wouldn’t say I’m particularly talented, but I am incredibly persistent and don’t give up easily. I used to think I was naturally talented, but looking back, it was probably just my ADHD keeping me on a roll! Haha.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Damaris Gutierrez (@fit.dama)

Read more team and runner stories!

No Replies to "A QnA with SFM Community Manager Damaris Gutierrez | Meet the Team"