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Tales from the Trials 

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Tales from the Trials 

Running – and particularly women’s running – had a moment in the sun this past weekend during the US Olympic Team Trials. Quite literally, in fact. Downtown Orlando played a perfect host to the best marathoners in the country, scores of sign-toting, enthusiastic fans, and the kind of weather that keeps the convention and visitors bureau in the black. 

As you’ve read by now, this year’s women’s Trials featured an impressive field of talented contenders, as well as the most diverse women’s group to date; with nearly 13% of qualifiers being women of color. All very good things for the future of women’s running and the sport on the whole. 

But on the afternoon before this history-making field would toe the starting line, was a sparsely-attended event recognizing the 40th anniversary of the first-ever Women’s US Olympic Team Trials. Tucked between the elite athletes’ pre-event news conference and a mandatory meeting for event photographers; Betsy Hughes, Deena Kastor, and Joan Benoit Samuelson took the stage. 

Hughes is the co-owner of Orlando’s Track Shack, and a co-conspirator in bringing the Trials to Florida. Kastor, is an Olympic bronze medalist, and former US record holder. Benoit Samuelson won the first US Women’s Marathon Trials on her way to eventually earning the gold medal at the 1984 Games; another first for US women’s marathoning. 

The trio spoke to the significance of the occasion, the scope of the current competition, and the sacrifices, risks, and challenges women took to make it this far. 

“Sometimes, an injury is just a blessing in disguise,” Benoit Samuelson coolly punctuated the conversation about her then gusty decision to undergo knee surgery just 17 days before those first Trials. 

“Watching her may have been the reason I took up running,” added Kastor, who was just 11 years old watching those first Trials, “but either way, it would have inspired me to see that I could do anything.”

Being up close and personal with the real-life embodiment of that inspiration and representation is what brought many spectators to the fence line last weekend; including Joanna Moore and her three daughters and a friend from Tampa to see the Trials. 

“It’s super important to show role models to my girls,” Moore told us, “and maybe have them aspire to not just be runners one day, but to be strong women.” 

Jessica Dinatele was a runner in high school. She brought her whole family to see the start of the Trials.  

“It’s really important for them to see that any dream is out there for them,” said Dinatele, “whether they want to run, or do another sport, or whatever. It’s important for my girls to see other girls working so hard.”

“Being here is just as important for us as it is for the racers,” added Allison Tripp, who came to the Trials with her son. “Any representation is astronomical, and we’re here to support just like they’re here to perform.” 

Most of these families, fans, and runners won’t go to Paris. But odds are good this Olympic experience will change them and the face of running for years to come.

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Marathon Approaches Half Million Dollar Mark in Donations to Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital 

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Marathon Approaches Half Million Dollar Mark in Donations to Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital 

Event organizers, partners, and friends presented Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital with a check for $138,552.68 – the largest yet — pushing total donations toward the half million dollar mark. 


“When we say we want to provide ‘community impact’ through this event, we mean a whole lot more than just a great weekend of running,” said Tim Rhodes, RunCharlotte President and Managing Partner of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “The impact on the local economy is real, and so is the opportunity for us to create change through fundraising and direct donations to Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital.”

Along with direct donations from participants, partners, and the event, runnerselected to fundraise through “Team Hemby” as they trained. E2M Fitness signed-on as a partner supporting a new “Meaningful Miles” program, highlighting the journey of Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital patients. 

As the event’s title sponsor, Novant Health has provided remarkable on-site event medical care for 18 years. 

“We are so grateful to the runners of the Charlotte Marathon who made their miles even more meaningful this year,” said Dr. Catherine Ohmstede, Novant Health Children’s Institute physician leader for the Greater Charlotte market. “No family wants to experience a hospital stay with their child, but for those who do, the money raised through the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon will have a direct and positive impact. These funds allow us to make Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital an even more comfortable setting for these brave children to receive remarkable care.”

Nearly 7,300 athletes took on the 19th iteration of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, half marathon, relay, rucking, and Chick-fil-A 5k; with 45 states and 13 countries represented across all events.

“This really sets the stage for 2024 and beyond,” added Rhodes. “This check represents the kind of impact we hope to continue to have on the community.” 

November 16, 2024 marks the 20th anniversary running of The Novant Health Registration is open for all events at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Charlotte/CharlotteMarathon 

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Reinventing the Local Race Calendar 

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Reinventing the Local Race Calendar 

And now for something completely different … The team at RunCharlotte is adding more fun, more miles, and more events to the 2024 Charlotte running calendar. And, there are two new PR opportunities, to boot! 

For starters, two all-new running events join the mix; starting with the Novant Health Lucky Day 7k in March, and Four on the Fourth, on the Fourth of July, naturally. These two new events make up the 2024 “Holiday Two Pack,’ and feature special, introductory pricing for the individual events and the two pack. 

Three Classic Charlotte running events, Hit the Brixx, Yiasou Greek Festival 5k, and Lake Norman 15k/5k, are part of the 2024 “Heritage Series.” No changes are in store for the Greek Festival 5K or the Lake Norman 15K / 5K, but the Hit The Brixx 10K and 6K event is on an all-new date, time, AND on a modified course – with a new 6k distance. “Heritage Series” event registration is available as individual events, and offers 10% Off special pricing as a three-event bundle. 

“Runners are constantly looking for new ways to challenge themselves, have fun, and celebrate… and we’re ready to deliver on that – and more,” said RunCharlotte’s Tim Rhodes. “We’re adding some brand-new opportunities in the new year, and bringing some fresh, new features to some Charlotte favorites.” 

Runners can expect more prizes and giveaways, music, as well as food and beverage options. And yes, cold beers, from event partners at Adams Beverage. New event tees, finisher medals, and awards are part of the plan, too.   

2024 RunCharlotte Events Schedule 

2024 RunCharlotte “Holiday Two Pack”

2024 RunCharlotte “Heritage Series” 

Registration for all events is open now at the links above. Registration for either series is also available through the individual event links. 

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Pushing the Safety Agenda Further 

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Pushing the Safety Agenda Further 

The squeaky wheel gets the grease. It’s a theme that came up several times during this week’s Mobility Safety Forum. And runners participating and connecting through this series of safety-centered meet-ups hope that “grease” takes the form of greater interest in the issue, and more action from policymakers and constituents themselves. 

Yes, the Mobility Safety Forum is the evolution of the runner safety forum that’s worked to keep this issue front-and-center for nearly two years. The name change acknowledges that runners aren’t the only users concerned with safety on the roads, trails, sidewalks, or greenways. It aligns with the City of Charlotte’s aim to offer everyone, “safe and equitable mobility choices.” Forum organizers say it also speaks to the connections the movement is making beyond the running community. 

“Relationships are everything,” said Jesus Delatorre, who has taken a leadership role in the Forum. “It kind of proves out in our relationship with the city, to be able to widen our focus so we can work on our shared goals together.” 

Delatorre says he expects the Forum to grow its partnership with other groups like Sustain Charlotte and Vision Zero; which could bring additional resources, expertise, and connections to the effort. 

Forum organizers shared details on a pilot project to add solar-powered lights along some sections of greenway, and a meeting with Charlotte Mayor Pro Tem, Danté Anderson. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Officer Ronald Hill reminded the dozen-plus runners in the room about personal safety, situational awareness, and the importance of calling 9-1-1 – even if they’re just suspicious of something or someone along their running route. 

“As a female runner, I feel like I’m always running ‘on guard’,” said Christine Turner. “As a coach, I want to be able to share information with my clients, and as a mom who’s raising kids who are getting into running, I want to be able to teach them some best practices, too.” 

Up next, Forum leadership will address Charlotte City Council during the public speaking portion of Council’s Monday, February 26 meeting. That meeting is at 630pm at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center. (600 E. 4th Street) Charlotte runners and friends are asked to show their support in-person. No registration requirements or speaking; just be present.

“Everyone has a vested interest in mobility safety,” added Lisa Landrum, one of the Forum organizers. “We want to thank them (City Council) for the work they are doing to make it safer for everyone… and it’s pretty powerful when there’s a crowd of people behind those speakers.”

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5 Ways to Be Happy and Healthy in 2024 

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5 Ways to Be Happy and Healthy in 2024 

You don’t have to run more, run longer, or run faster to be a healthier or happier this year. Granted, all of those things can lead to all sorts of personal bests, and that’s great, too. But you can make it a happier and healthier new year in some simple ways that can pay big dividends. Here are just five ways to be more healthy and happy this year. 

Treat your running like it matters. 

Quite honestly, it does. It’s tough to not feel a little guilty sometimes when there are bills to pay, chores to do, and people to see… and you want to go for a run. Heck, sometimes you really just need to run. You don’t have to shirk responsibilities to prioritize your running. Be a better steward of your time, schedule your runs when there’s less opportunity for conflict with work, school, and family. It’s a win-win.

Stretch. A lot. 

Your warm-up and cool-down routines are just as important as your run. You don’t have to be a yogi or a ballerina, but a solid stretching routine can keep you running longer and enjoying more injury-free miles. Maintaining flexibility is even more important as we get older. Trust us on this one. Establish good stretching habits now, and you’ll be ahead of the game. Not sure where to start? Try a visit with a pro at Novant Health Sports Performance.

Find your “go to” healthy meal or snack.

With our busy schedules, it can be tough to make healthy food choices when we’re tired, out time, or just plain out of groceries. You don’t have to go all Jamie Oliver every time you open the fridge. With just a little bit of planning, you can have a last-minute, in-a-hurry, “right now” kinda meal or snack that can get you through. Protein powder and frozen berries blend up for an easy fruit smoothie. An apple and nut butter, or even some packaged protein bars can fill the gap between solid meals. Just make it easy, and have the materials available. 

Get serious about your sleep. 

You’ve read it, heard it, and seen it as much as we have: recovery is the most overlooked part of most athletes’ training programs. If you’re getting up early to get that run, make sure you’re going to bed early, too. Need a day off to recover from a hard workout? Take it! Rest is where the real magic happens. It’s when our bodies repair and prepare for the next effort. Start a calming bedtime routine. Get up and go to bed at the same time every day, and make sleep a priority. 

Check in with a pro.

No one is good at everything; that’s a fact. If you’re struggling with your mental health, an unhealthy relationship with food or exercise, a nagging injury that just won’t let up, or other issues … schedule an appointment with a professional. That’s quite literally why they’re here. Ignoring the issue won’t make it go away, and suffering in silence not a sign of inner strength. Know your limits, and know that there are people out there that really want to help. 

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