VIRGINIA, USA — Black Men Run Hampton Roads is offering a supportive and motivating space to not only improve health but also create meaningful connections.
Every Sunday, members of the group come together at different trails across the seven cities to push their physical limits and support one another. Captain Terrel White emphasized that no matter where you are in your fitness journey, Black Men Run is a space for everyone.
"We're part of a larger group," he said, noting that there are more than 50 chapters worldwide. "We're also in Japan, we're in Kenya, and we're also in London and Paris as well."
What each chapter has in common is a shared mission to change the narrative surrounding Black men and significant health disparities. The group as a whole encourages healthier lifestyles, effective relationships, and genuine support of everyone's goals.
"It doesn't really matter how young or how old you are," White said. "Everybody's at their own pace, at their own race."
The group's weekly runs aren't just about fitness-- they're about creating a community. With 15 to 20 people regularly showing up, the runners work to encourage each other along the way.
However, White states that there are now roughly 150 members in total for Black Men Hampton Roads after the Chesapeake and Virginia Beach chapters combined about three years ago.
James Durant, a member of the group, shared how the support from others keeps him focused.
"I wanted to be part of something because doing it by yourself, you only get so far," he said. "We challenge each other to push ourselves to go further than normally."
Black Men Run Hampton Roads also participates in local races, staying connected with other running clubs and ensuring that no one is left behind.
"We want to make sure that we're inclusive to all of our members," White said, noting that some members who cannot make the weekly meetups will post about their private workouts on the group's social media page. "So, if you're posting, hey, I went running today, or I went walking today, I took a bike ride, that's the motivation that somebody else might need."
While fitness is a primary focus of the group, it also places a strong emphasis on mental health and having open conversations. After each run, Durant said that the group gathers to have casual, supportive conversations.
"[We] just talk about anything-- upcoming events, or talk about, he, how's each other's families doing," he said, noting that it feels good to know that "I got some friends here, I got some brothers here, you know, concerned, checking on me."
This sense of brotherhood is a special aspect of Black Men Run Hampton Roads.
"You either have somebody that's doing the journey with you, or you're out there just getting the miles in," White said. "But at the end of the day, we're all here for each other."
The group's goal is to help Black men lead healthier, more connected lives. Durant believed anyone thinking about starting their fitness journey should take the first step.
"The hardest part is starting. And after that, it's getting easier and easier," he said. "If this is something you [want to] do, just go after it."