Did you know that strength training is one of the most effective ways of preventing injuries and improving your running? Whether you are a seasoned runner or new to your soles, this course will outline why it’s so important to strength train to help keep us running.

"Strength Training,” presented by Onward Charlotte and runCLTrun, is a four-session class that will be live-streamed from 6:30-7:15 pm on Oct 6, 13, 20 and 27. Register for one ($10) or all four ($35) classes . Onward’s FREE e-book, “Runner’s Strength Training Plan,” comes with either option. To register through Eventbright, click HERE.

Renowned physical therapists at Onward Charlotte specialize in helping runners become better while runCLTrun specializes in bringing those runners together. Sign up now for all four classes at a reduced rate!

*Update: Congratulations to Heather Carpenter, Lisa Keller, Darius Moore and Jay Seago, who were elected to 2-year terms on August 8. Stay tuned for more information from the full board in our next newsletter.

We have 10 Nominees to fill 4 vacant seats on the current CRC Board of Directors. Please read below to learn more before you cast your vote. Voting ends on Saturday, August 8, at 6 pm.

Members select this link to access Poll

Shawne Carew:  

 

Since joining the cross-country team my sophomore year in high school, I fell in love with running. Like most people here in Charlotte, I am a transplant.  I went from running the crowded streets of Brooklyn, New York to spending countless hours running the lush greenways and the ever expanding neighborhoods, in and around Charlotte. It amazes me to see the rapid growth of our city and its diversity.  Not only am I passionate about running, I am equally passionate about sharing the joy of running and reframing Charlotte’s running culture.  I am currently a co-captain of Black Men Run Charlotte, a member of F3 (Swayze), an advisory board member of Let Me Run Charlotte, and a current board member of the Charlotte Running Club. I love the Charlotte running community and would like another term as a CRC board member to share our passion with others.

Heather Carpenter:

I am a proud member of the Charlotte Running Club and I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve as a board member.  I would work hard to help the club grow and inspire other runners in the Charlotte area.  We have such an AMAZING group of runners here in this area and I feel so very blessed to have made so many supportive friendships through our shared LOVE of running.  I have volunteered at various CRC events and know many of your faces from those events.  I have also been in involved in Let Me Run and 3-2-1 Dash for Down syndrome.  I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina and graduated from the University of South Carolina.  I moved to Charlotte in 1995 after college and can't imagine living anywhere else.  I am the proud mom of 3 boys - Tyler (22), Jackson (15) and Grayson (11).  When I am not running or spending time with my boys, I work as the legal manager for an insurance brokerage firm in the Southpark area.  I live in Ballantyne with my non-running but super supportive husband, Rich, and our three boys.  You can see me on the streets running (usually early morning) in Ballantyne, Southpark, Myers Park or Dilworth.

Please consider me for board appointment.  I will work hard to make the Charlotte Running Club even better, continue to share my love of running and help ensure that the Charlotte running community continues to connect with others to inspire and encourage each other as much as possible.  

Lisa Keller:  

 Thank you for the consideration to acknowledge my desire to serve on the Charlotte Running Club (CRC) Board of Directors! My name is Lisa Keller and I am the Council Relations Manager for Girls on the Run International Headquarters and volunteer at the local Charlotte Council for the last 12 years. My responsibilities include coaching, trainer, and served on multiple committees (5k, risk, culture, adult engagement-to name a few) to advocate running and healthy living into communities. I earned my BA in Organizational Communications from Queens University of Charlotte. I’m married to my running buddy, Dan, and we are proud parents of Tyler and Isabella.

One of the main reasons I am motivated to serve on the board is my willingness to give back to my Charlotte community that has so inspired my running through the years. Additionally, as a Puerto Rican American woman I want to inspire our Latino community further through running. In the past, my running role models were limited; however, it’s a more promising story today. I want to continue to advocate running is for everyone! I maintain this philosophy–and share with others whenever possible–that anyone can and should run for their health and happiness.

While my appointment to be a CRC board member would be a huge honor and great source of pride, I assure you that I will do my best for the club. I hope to work with you all as we continue to work on achieving new heights for the Charlotte running community.  Thank you (Gracias)!

Tim Mann: 

I’m humbled and happy to accept the nomination. My name is Tim Mann. I’m 30 years old and have been running since 2017. I grew up in Greensboro, NC and got my undergrad in Accounting from UNCW. During my time at UNCW I also competed all 4 years on the varsity swim team. Shortly after graduation, I went on to get my MBA from Ole Miss. From there, my career as a financial advisor for BB&T Scott & Stringfellow brought me to Charlotte. In 2017 I joined the finance committee for Let Me Run. I threw my hat in to help raise money for LMR by doing the NYC Marathon. At the time I was doing little to no running at all. The race was a transformative experience and I’ve been running ever since. In 2018, I was asked to help lead Wooden Robot’s RunBots group. I also now consider myself a regular at the Flying Biscuit Run Club on Sunday’s. I have a wife, Lauren, a nearly 2 year old son, Tripp, and an 8 year old spaniel mix named Charlie. My favorite things are spending time with my family outdoors, training with my friends, and cheering on the ole miss rebels, Carolina Panthers, and the Charlotte Hornets.

Running has brought me so much joy over the past 3 years. I’ve met a number of friends and it has given me a renewed sense of purpose. Ultimately I just want to give back to the community and the sport that has given me so much. Whether it’s through volunteering for races or directing a race some day, I want to reach as many people as possible and expose them to the sport as we continue to grow this awesome community.

Douglas McDowell:  

         

Please consider my interest in serving on the CRC board. A few things about me:

• Running is central to me and my family.
• My family joined CRC when we moved to Charlotte in 2017. We enjoy participating in community running events, sometimes as a family, sometimes individually.
• My daughter competes in high school cross country and track.
• I took up running in 2015. In the past five years I have completed six marathons, countless half marathons and 10Ks, and the occasional 5K.
• I am not an elite, or even that fast; I represent the heart of the running community that need and appreciate programs.

• I have held volunteer board positions in the past and have community-building experience.  You can learn more about me here: https://linkedin.com/in/dmcdowell or https://www.strava.com/athletes/5784021

Thank you for your consideration.

Mike McMillen:  

                        

Even before I was born, my Mother knew I'd be an active child and thankfully that was one expectation I could easily rise to. I grew up in England playing football (the round variety), and given I was brother #3, it meant I spent most of my days chasing a ball for hours on end. This naturally set me up for becoming a 'runner' as I became more seasoned. As a Physical Education teacher I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to teach at International Schools in China, Vietnam, and Thailand across 8 years and it was here my love for running took off. Running became the perfect way to explore new places and also meet new friends who would become my 2nd family away from home. I started entering more races and soon took the plunge into marathon running, starting with the Great Wall of China marathon. 20,000 steps and 7 hours later, it became official, I now had marathon fever and the good news was, I was pretty sure I could only get better! After moving to Charlotte in 2017, my first action was to seek out other runners and run clubs and since then the running community has been a central part of my life here and I can't wait to give back to this community.

One of my core messages to my students is to encourage them to be positive, and if they see potential to make something better, they have the power to take action. I realize that in order for this message to be successful, I have to be a role model, to lead by example and inspire others. As a Physical Education teacher, and more recently a Father, it is my responsibility to help prepare others to engage in physical activity and healthy habits for life. This path may start in school, but if it is for life, then we need to ensure that there are opportunities and communities around for all to access and become a part of. I'd like to serve so that I can work with local organizations and schools to help create greater opportunities for our youth to stay active and healthy through running and also expose them to the Charlotte Running community and events so that they have a pathway to continue on after leaving school and into the future.

Secondly, since running has played such a central role in my social life, wherever I have lived, I want to ensure that the Charlotte running community continues to build on opportunities to connect with other runners and build relationships and friendships. Like many others, running is a social activity that brings us together, therefore I want to ensure we have plenty of occasions to appreciate and enjoy moments together, with or without our running shoes on!

I hope these ideas also resonate with you and that you can help make them happen by voting for me!

Darius Moore ("Moore Moves"): 

Occupation in the real world: Run Coach for Moore Moves & Trainer at 9Round Kickboxing

Why should Charlotte runners know you? Charlotte needs to know that one of their own, runs every step with his hometown in his heart. My passion for running stems from my desire to alter the typical narrative of an inner-city youth. To give all who I encounter, inspiration through my passion for running.

As a current member of the board, I want the opportunity to continue to grow the Charlotte running community. In addition to CRC, I’ve been a volunteer with CMS, Let Me Run, Girls On the Run, XC for Youth, RunningWorks, Jimmy V foundation, & many other non-profits. As a kid growing up, we had several free or state funded programs for kids. With those programs being reduced, I’ve chosen to put much of my time into the local youth. Hopefully they’ll keep the club going when we’ve hung up our running shoes. 

Guess I’ll wrap this up.....

VOTE FOR ME

         I LOVE RUNNING

          I LOVE GROUP RUNS

           I LOVE LEARNING

                        VOTE FOR #MOOREMOVES

James Perez:  

My name is James Perez and I am honored to be nominated for a position on the board of the Charlotte Running Club. 

I was born in Atlantic Beach, Florida where I lived till I was 18 before headed to college at Furman University. I did not start running until I was a senior in high school, when my best friend convinced me to the 800 meters. That is when I found my passion for running! I walked on the team at Furman and was able to continue to progress over longer distances. 

Upon graduation I moved to Charlotte, which I now am very proud to call home. Joining the club gave me an instant community here in Charlotte and allowed me to compete in my first Blue Ridge Relay (ouch). 

As a member of the club, I have taken advantage of the opportunities the club provides, but joining the board would allow me be give back to the running community for which I am so passionate. 

Jay Seago:  

Jay is currently serving on the Board of The Charlotte Running Club as the Vice President.  Jay has been on the Board since January of 2018, and has helped out wherever needed during his tenure.  Jay is the Regional Director for Let Me Run - a Boys Character building and running program founded here in Charlotte, which has grown by over 100% in participation since he started there.  Prior to beginning his work with Let Me Run in 2015, Jay was a middle school teacher and coach for 14 years in Roanoke, Virginia.  Jay is passionate about the Charlotte Running community, and even more passionate about bringing everyone together within it, while attracting new members.   Jay has completed 10 marathons, over twenty half marathons, and numerous other races.  When not running or working, Jay enjoys spending time with his family, riding his mountain bike, or hanging out with friends at local breweries.   

Phillip Sanford: 

As a member of the board, I would continue to build on the foundation that the club has set to build the running community in Charlotte. I would use my experience as a RRCA coach, leader with the NoDa Brewing Run Club, and coach with Let Me Run to use the CRC as a gateway into running for people who have interest in running, but don't know how to start or what to do. In addition to that, I would love to help with the free 5k program that was going to start before COVID-19 canceled everything. Through my race director experience, I have established strong relationships with potential sponsors and participants to help grow this event.

Greetings CRC Members

In the three months since I last addressed you, we’ve seen so much change. From the Stay at Home Order, to more races being cancelled, to virtual races, to businesses starting to re-open, to nationwide protests. 

There is no question about it – it is a painful time in our country. The senseless tragic deaths of Ahmaud Arbery, George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Rayshard Brooks have shook us all. As a white man, I can try to understand what others are feeling, but there is NO way I can truly appreciate what people of color experience on a daily basis. NO one should have to fear for simply going for a run. Racism has NO place in this world, and we stand with our black brothers and sisters against racial discrimination. All lives can’t matter until Black Lives Matter. 

One of the ways that I seek comfort from this pain– like many of you – is thru running. Running has been so therapeutic for me especially in 2020. It’s really made me appreciate how much I love the sport. On the days when I just need to get away from reality, I just simply lace up and hit the Beatty trails. I now embrace the time when I meet for my regular social distant group runs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. One of the positive things I have seen with this pandemic are all the new runners. Whether it be in the neighborhood, on the greenways, or in the parks, there has been an insurgence of new faces. With that, I am excited about the future of our sport. 

Last week I called for nominations to serve on our new board. Any member may nominate up to four individuals. Nominees must be current members for at least the past 6 months. I’m excited to hear from so many of you who have an interest in serving. Our elections are planned to start August 1. Election results will be announced at our Annual Meeting which is scheduled to take place Saturday at 6:00 pm on August 8at the NoDa Brewing Pavilion, 2921 N Tryon Street. We will elect four new board members for two-year terms. The new board will then vote on 2 additional members for one-year terms. More details can be found in the article below.

This will most likely be my last President’s address to you. After serving for 2 ½ years as President and 3 ½ years on the Board, it’s time to hand over the baton to new leadership. It has been my pleasure to serve this organization. I am proud of the many accomplishments we’ve had. Whether it be the new membership benefits we have offered, new merchandise, new events, new partners, and especially our new members that have joined. I’d like to thank the leadership team who have put forth so much time and effort to make this possible. While I’m proud of things we have done, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure we bring the diverse Charlotte running community together under one umbrella and making Charlotte a better place to run.  

In great strides, 

Chad Champion – soon to be Past President, Charlotte Running Club

Each year the Charlotte Running Club elects a new Board of Directors in accordance with the club bylaws.  As a non-profit organization and as a certified USATF Club, we follow an established set of guidelines (i.e. bylaws) related to policies, finances, planning and general activities.   These affiliations allow the club to obtain insurance when required to host events, provides us nonprofit tax status, and helps elevate our presence in the community so we can live out our mission to build a strong and healthy community through running.

The founding club leadership believed it was important to establish a process of selecting board members on an annual basis.  Rather than allowing the club to be controlled by a few active members, the bylaws establish a written process to allow for new leadership. This helps promote a sustainable leadership body with the ability to allow new ideas to influence the club’s activities and policies.  To see a list of past and current Board Members click HERE. 

Structure of the Board

There are (4) Officer positions within the Board: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer.  The (11) person Board of Directors is responsible for choosing these officers.  While officers have specific responsibilities, other board members are just as important to ensure the group functions as a cohesive body.  Board meetings are traditionally held once a month with smaller sub-committee meetings held as needed. 

How to become a Board Member

Individuals who are interested in being nominated to the Board of Directors should have an interest in helping to plan and implement club activities.  As a volunteer organization, Board Members are not paid for their service and give of their free time to help manage and develop club activities.  To be nominated for a board position, individuals need to have been a club member for at least six months. 

Annual Meeting and Election Process

Members are encouraged to nominate up to four individuals to the board (including themselves). The entire membership base is then invited to vote for four of the nominees. The results of the Board election are announced each year at the annual meeting.  The purpose of the annual meeting is to provide club membership with a recap of the past year activities, discuss new policies and announce the results of the elections.  Below is a summary of this year’s election process:

1. Election Nominations: All members were sent an email on June 14 as a call for nominations.  Send nominations to chadchampion@carolina.rr.com by Friday, July 24. Each member can nominate up to four current club members.

2. Voting: Voting begins one week prior to the annual meeting and will conclude at the meeting. Each club member will vote for up to four of the nominees. The four nominees with the most votes will be announced at the meeting, thus become new board members with a two-year term.

3. Rotating Board: The (4) newly-elected board members serve their first year with the previously elected board members serving their second year.  This overlap helps create consistency among the board. The eight elected members then select (3) AT-LARGE Board Members to create a full board of 11 members.

If you have any questions regarding the club Board of Directors please send us an email at run.charlotte@gmail.com.  We welcome your feedback!

With a mission to bring the local running community together in this unusual time, Charlotte Running Club intends to host a local “Virtual Boston" community event* on Saturday, September 12, from 6 am to 2 pm. This informal group run will celebrate our local runners who attained the honor of qualifying for the 124th annual Boston marathon, which was canceled twice this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic**. While details are still being determined, here’s what we know so far:

• The course will be a 6.55 mile loop in the Dilworth / Myers Park area, supported by all four local running stores in our community.
• The loop must be run four times to get to 26.2 miles.
• In observance of public health concerns and in keeping with social distancing, there will be no official start or finish line.
• Runners may complete the course any time between 6 am - 2 pm and are encouraged to start at different times to maintain a safe social distance.
• Runners are encouraged to start at the support station of their choice: Omega Sports, Charlotte Running Company, Run For Your Life or Ultra Running.
• Support stations will provide bottled water; however, runners are encouraged to bring their own hydration/nutrition packs which they may leave with volunteers.
• All 2020 Boston qualified runners are invited to attend, but it will be an open course, meaning anyone can run.
• It is each runner’s responsibility to time themselves and submit their times to the Boston Athletic Association if they choose to do so.

Let’s make this a day to remember, for runners, by runners!

*This is a celebration and not a race. Streets will not be closed and there will be no traffic control. Runners are responsible for their own safety.  ** In order to comply with current COVID restrictions, masks are strongly encouraged and social distancing must be observed.  Everyone’s cooperation is essential to allow this to happen and all participation is at your own risk.  

By Melissa Seuster

Normally, this is the time of year when conversations turn to that certain question that generates excitement and hours of conversation among fellow running geeks:  What are you training for?

This year, nothing is “normal.” While many are participating in virtual races or challenges, others have totally fallen off the grid and lost motivation. Regardless of in which camp you fall, training for a race is well worth the time an energy, even if the race happens in your own backyard. Here’s what I’ve learned in training, that keeps me up and running even without a specific “goal race” in mind:

1. Discipline: Adhering to a training schedule is not easy. Even when you love what you are doing, eventually physical and mental exhaustion kicks in. I have never known a runner who at one time did not want to say, “I give up.” The joy is in pushing through that feeling and basting in the glory of accomplishing something that you doubted you could do. If you can do it with running, you can apply it to other things in your life like career, family or health. So, come up with a plan and stick with it! Find a training partner or coach to hold you accountable. Set the time aside to make it a priority, and you will learn a lesson that will carry you through many other challenges in life.

2. Patience: Did you ever feel like something you wanted was just within reach, only to find that it wasn’t? Remember back in March when we were told to stay at home and quit doing practically everything? I expected it to last two weeks, which turned into 3+ months, and we are still in the dark about how long this pandemic will last. Running a marathon has taught me the mirage of “almost there.” It is a state that can only be overcome with lots of patience. Eventually we do get there, and the feeling is AMAZING.

3. Overcoming Self-doubt: recently I was swimming in the ocean and got caught in a rip current. No matter how strong I was, there were forces beyond my control pulling me under, and I was afraid that I would drown. I distinctly remember telling myself, “I don’t think I can do this.” Have you ever said that during a race? I know I have. When I feel like I am literally or figuratively drowning, I remember that point in the marathon … that moment of self-doubt… and then I get angry. Don’t let anyone tell you that “you can’t,” … not even yourself!

4. Resilience: Another thing I’ve learned through training for a race is that you have to be able to roll with the punches. When I ran the Blue Ridge Relay in 2013, we ran in all types of weather and at all times of day and night. Many of you recently completed the Yeti Challenge and experienced a similar situation. The conditions were not ideal, but we just kept going. We fall down, we get up and keep going. We have a bad race, and we try harder next time. And that is an essential life lesson, because true success comes from many failures.

5. Hope: Like many of you, I miss racing. I miss the anticipation, the expectation of completing a new challenge, and the hope that I will cross the finish line in the time that I have projected and trained for. I know that I have a long road ahead, that I will meet self-doubt, and I will have to rely on patience and resilience. No matter how hard it gets, I never give up hope that it will get easier. And so it is with the current situation. It is a long road. It can be scary. And sometimes we want to give up. Don’t forget about our friend Hope.

Keep running, my friends. It’s the glue holding us together right now.

Melissa Seuster is a certified Health Coach, RRCA Running Coach, and certified health education specialist (CHES) who loves to run marathons and serves on the CRC board. You can reach her at melissa@coachmcares.com.

Our friends at Destination Marathons have been planning fun and exciting race trips for when things return to normal. The next DM trip is planned for Kiawah full/half marathon on December 12, 2020. Previous club trips were to Wilmington and Atlanta for the Olympic Trials/Publix Marathon. 

Every trip is VIP trip with DM. They take of everything so you can focus in on your race and bond with other runners. In addition to ideally located accommodations, the DM package usually includes a pre-race pasta dinner, tent at finish line, gear check, post-race celebration and a goodie bag. In Kiawah this year local massage therapist Adrienne Blackwood will again be available for post-race stretches and longer private sessions. 

Destination Marathons was started by CRC Member Mark Janik almost two years ago. His team also includes local runners Paul Martino and Dana Levitt. 

CRC Members can get $25 off any Destination Marathons package by entering in promo code CRC25 during checkout. Click HERE for more information.

Welcome to our newest members:

Rebecca Bechtel

Jeffrey Dellapina

Carolyn Donohue

Angela Garlock

Grant Harbrecht

Nadine Hoffmann

Lindsay McClelland

Anna Rees

Lucille Rogers

Shannon Routh

Kaylin Shutte

Meghan Zehringer

Not a member? Click HERE to join now! 

• Benefits of Membership

  Charlotte Running Club is the area’s largest USATF run club, uniting runners from across Charlotte through social events, running events, service opportunities, and a shared love of running. Here are a few reasons our members have given as reasons for joining:

• ·      To be part of a larger organization that supports my beliefs / interests  
• ·      To find people to run with (for fun)
• ·      To meet new people and make new friends  

Furthermore, your CRC membership can pay off with just one or two transactions at your local running store or local race registration! We are very excited to announce that all Siso Events and Start2Finish races in Charlotte are offering CRC member-only discounts in 2020.

With over 461 finishers in our virtual race series and another 106 runners signing up for the “Stuck With You 2 x 5k Relay,” the Charlotte Running Club Virtual Race Series was a huge success.

The idea for the series started in mid-March.  Races continued being cancelled, we were told to stay home and avoid groups, and the prospect of competitive running looked bleak in the Queen City.  As board member Franklin Keathley ran down East Blvd, thinking of how he’d always wanted to close down some of Charlotte’s most iconic streets, he thought, if not now… when? 

With few automobiles on the road, we set up a one mile Strava segments down some of the City’s premier streets and challenged people to go out and give it their all!  The challenge was a hit and the feedback was positive.  We saw a father lead his son to break an 8:00 min/mile, a new member break 9:00 minutes for her very first time, and some blazing fast road PRs for our top two finishers: Dylan Lowry (4:15) and Paula Prigdon (5:01).

The combination of the Stay at Home Order, low traffic volume and the best spring weather Charlotte has seen in years led us to continue the series for another five weeks.  Some people used it to set new PRs or compete with one another, while others ran the challenges to remain accountable and have a goal mileage to finish each week.

After the last virtual challenge, as the governor began reopening the economy, we set up one last race to celebrate those of us who have spent (for better or for worse) a LOT of time together this spring: the Stuck With You 5k Relay.  We saw parents and children, siblings and friends run the combined 10k together or in a relay format, but the most competitive division was the co-ed race!

The Quarantine Quickies, Stuart Hildebrandt and Casey Cline, started off the competition with a 43:01 combined 10k.  The Quickies’ mark lasted until Saturday morning when Joey Woltjer and Cara Cremeans threw down a 36:18 on the Freedom Park Lake loop.  However only minutes later, Woltjer spotted Ethan and Nikki Cohen flying down East Blvd and into the park to take the lead by two seconds!

Hours later, as the day progressed and temperatures approached 90 degrees, Paula Pridgen and Franklin Keathley blazed along the Dilworth Speed loop to the tune of 35:58.  That time would only be safe until morning, when Lauren and Eric Westog (two former UGA track standouts) ran a 35:28 in Davidson!  As the deadline approached, however, the Late Adds of Ryan Jank and Lucy Rogers took the win with a combined 10k time of 32:51!

In the end, whether it was competition, accountability, or trying to start running for the first time, we all ran these races to just feel a little more connected with one another.  Thank you to everyone who participated!

Greetings CRC Members

Lots of things have changed since I wrote to you last. I hope that you and your families are keeping safe.

I know that many of you have been inconvenienced with cancelled races and group runs. We have cancelled all CRC group events including our new monthly free 5k and our upcoming birthday party in May. We hope to have these events soon but only when it is deemed safe. Remember these are short term inconveniences. Before long we will be back to normal.  In the meantime whether you or your loved one’s job or business has been affected, or worse have caught COVID-19, our hearts and prayers go to those who have been severely impacted by this virus. And we also thank all those who risk their lives in the front line. 

In the meantime as runners we must do our part to flatten the curve. We know the Stay at Home allows us to enjoy outdoor activities such as running as long as we abide by the social distancing rules. But keep in mind the absolute safest way to run, is to run solo. And if you must, run with someone you are living with or are already in frequent contact with. Also when choosing where to run, chose the less congested location. Due to families getting stir crazy staying at home, our parks and greenways have been unusually crowded. I love running these locations but until things get normal you may want to consider other locations. While our local running stores are closed for in-person visits, you can still order online or via phone. Most of them have options where you can have your merchandise delivered right to your door. Please support these local businesses. 

To keep engaged with the running community, we plan to have some virtual races and challenges. Be on the lookout for those details in our social media outlets. Also if you haven’t done so already, sign up for the Co-Runna challenge at https://www.strava.com/clubs/CltRunnersUnited. As a Charlotte running community, let’s come together and reach the 70,400 goal in 8 weeks. At the end of two weeks, we’ve gotten a great start. Already over 20,000 miles. 

I can’t wait to see and run with you on the roads or trails.  In the meantime, stay positive and please be safe. This too shall pass! 

In great strides,

Chad Champion