The positive impact of running on health: Building community among Black and brown runners through local running groups

In a recent episode, the show delves into the topic of how much running is beneficial for one’s health. Many people may assume that running is always good for the body, but understanding the optimal amount of running required to achieve health benefits is crucial. Dr. Carl “Chip” Lavie, a cardiologist and medical director of Cardiac Rehabilitation and Preventive Cardiology at John Ochsner Heart and Vascular Institute in New Orleans, provides insights into the research on this topic. He discusses the distance and speed at which running can have a significant impact on longevity and quality of life, suggesting that the requirements may be less than what most people think.

In the second part of the show, the focus shifts to the experiences of black and brown runners in the running community. While running has often been associated with predominantly white participants, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years. Running groups specifically created to provide safe and inclusive spaces for communities of color have been formed across the country, including in the Triangle area. Local runners share their stories of the challenges they have faced as well as the kindness and support they have received within their respective running groups. Arthur Livingston, a member of Black Men Run RDC (Raleigh Durham Chapel Hill), Eleanor Sykes, an ambassador for Black Girls Run, and Jasmine Santiago-Tracey, host of the Brown Girl Running Podcast and member of Latinos Run Raleigh, discuss their experiences and the importance of finding community and support while pursuing their passion for running.