Blog: Feature Stories

Running is simple. Just you, your shoes, and the perfect road or trail. But the right gear and accessories can make good runs great, and the bad ones… well, they can help make them not so bad. The holidays are the perfect time to make running more fun – for you or the runner on your gift list! 

As always, we asked our pals at Charlotte Running Company, Fleet Feet Charlotte, and Run For Your Life to build this year’s Runners’ Gift Guide. Naturally, there are gifts galore for every type of runner or running, but here’s a top ten to get you going: 

1. Aftershockz Run Pro: These bone conduction headphones are a runner’s dream, delivering premium audio through your cheekbones while keeping your ears open to the environment. With 10 hours of battery life, IP55 water resistance, and a lightweight titanium frame, they’re perfect for crushing two-a-days or long training sessions. Plus, the open-ear design ensures you stay aware of your surroundings, making them ideal for road runners. (Submitted by Run For Your Life) 

2. Chickn Legs Apparel Holiday Themed Running Shorts: Get into the festive spirit with these fun and functional 1.5″ split shorts. Featuring a black mesh liner for breathability and full coverage, these machine-washable shorts are perfect for holiday-themed races or jingle bell jogs. With a 2.5″ side split, they offer maximum freedom of movement for your fastest Santa sprints. Plus, they’re just fun! (Submitted by Charlotte Running Company)

3. Ciele Athletic Caps: These stylish and performance-driven caps are a runner’s best friend. Made with COOLwick fabric and REPREVE recycled performance fiber, they offer UPF 40+ protection and excellent moisture-wicking properties. The soft-curve brim and reflective details make them perfect for early morning or late evening runs. Plus, they’re so lightweight at just 62 grams, you’ll forget you’re wearing them. (Submitted by Charlotte Running Company)

4. Feetures Socks: Say goodbye to blisters and hello to comfort with Feetures Elite Performance Socks. These anatomically designed socks use patented Sock-Lock Technology for targeted support where you need it most. With moisture-wicking properties and cushioning in all the right places, your feet will thank you whether you’re tackling a 5K or a marathon. (Submitted by Fleet Feet)

5. Garmin FR55 Sport Watch: This feature-packed GPS watch is perfect for runners of all levels. With a 2-week battery life in smartwatch mode and 20 hours in GPS mode, it’ll keep up with your longest runs. Enjoy PacePro for pacing guidance, daily suggested workouts, and even a track mode for precise lap timing. It’s like having a personal coach on your wrist. (Submitted by Run For Your Life)

6. Goodr Sunglasses: These affordable, stylish shades are a runner’s best friend. With a no-slip, no-bounce fit, polarized lenses, and a lightweight frame, they’re perfect for sunny runs. Available in a variety of fun colors and designs, Goodr sunglasses add a pop of personality to your running gear while keeping your eyes protected from harmful UV rays. (Submitted by Charlotte Running Company)

7. HyperIce Recovery Tools: Give your muscles the TLC they deserve with HyperIce’s innovative recovery tools. From percussion massage devices to compression wraps, these high-tech gadgets help reduce muscle soreness, improve flexibility, and speed up recovery time. It’s like having a personal massage therapist to help you bounce back faster after tough workouts. We own a bunch of these. They really work! (Submitted by multiple stores)

8. Karhu Footwear: Experience the “Flying Finn” difference with Karhu running shoes. Known for their unique Fulcrum technology, AeroFoam, and M Lock features; these shoes provide excellent energy return and a smooth ride. Whether you prefer road or trail running, Karhu offers a range of options to suit your running style, helping you fly through your miles with Finnish finesse. (Submitted by Fleet Feet)

9. Oofos Recovery Slides: Treat your feet to cloud-like comfort after a hard run with Oofos Recovery Slides. These sandals feature proprietary OOfoam technology that absorbs 37% more impact than traditional footwear materials. By reducing stress on your feet, ankles, and knees, they help you recover faster and get back to running sooner. (Submitted by Run For Your Life)

10. SuperFeet Insoles: Upgrade your running shoes with SuperFeet insoles for enhanced comfort and performance. These professional-grade orthotic inserts provide excellent arch support and heel stability, helping to reduce fatigue and prevent common running injuries. It’s like giving your feet a first-class upgrade for every mile you run. They’re also a great addition to your everyday, walking-around shoes. Just saying. (Submitted by Fleet Feet)

Looking for something to fit most EVERY runner?? Registration for the entire 2025 Calendar of RunCharlotte events is open now. Treat them to an entry into the Lucky Day 7k, Hit the Brixx, 4 on the Fourth, Greek Festival 5k, Lake Norman 15k/5k, or the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. (Or even treat yourself!) Register now at the lowest prices of the year. Cheers!

FOR IMMEDIATE USE: 

November 16, 2024

Charlotte —  Nearly 9,600 athletes participated in the 20^th anniversary running of Saturday’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. The record registration numbers also mark the first time the marathon, half marathon, relay, rucking division, and Chick-fil-A 5k events have reached capacity. 

“These events have clearly hit a tipping point,” said Tim Rhodes, RunCharlotte president, and Race Director for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “The community has truly embraced this, and it’s evident by the sold out events, the fans here at the start and finish, and the crowds cheering runners along the course.” 

Runners representing all 50 states and 19 countries made up the record-setting field that saw fast finishes, innumerable first-timers, charitable runners, and at least two (successful!) marriage proposals at the finish line. Adam Jones (2:26:5) won the men’s marathon event, and Jessica Barkley (3:01:41) won the women’s title. 

Social media influencers @WyattMoss – who ran the marathon costumed as a khaki pants and puffy vest-clad “finance bro,” and @shirtlessrunner Garrett Hill, were also among this year’s finishers. As was Dave Behrens of Raleigh, NC, who has completed all 20 Novant Health Charlotte Marathons; Charlotte’s Paul Martino, who completed his 100^th marathon; and Minnesota’s Tom Perri, who completed marathon number 715. 

Along with the thousands of individual success stories from the 20^th anniversary event; runners, sponsors, partners, and donors helped raise money for Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. The 2024 sum has yet to be totaled, but last year’s contribution was more than $138,000. 

Results: 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Events

Men’s Marathon Winner: Adam Jones, 2:26:50 (Winston Salem, NC)

“It was fun, the hills make it interesting… it was such a great atmosphere, it was so much fun! I loved it, and I’ll be back!” 

Women’s Marathon Winner: Jessica Barkley, 3:01:41 (West End, NC) 

“I grew up here, it’s a great atmosphere, the people are wonderful. I really appreciate the fans on the sides, they were amazing!” 

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Half Marathon 

Men’s Winner: Max Dimuccio, 1:10:07 (Chapel Hill, NC) “For some reason, I thought it was all downhill, but it was fun, and it was fast, I liked it a lot – and I’m really happy with the turnout!”

Women’s Winner: Laurel Carpenter, 1:25:06 (Fort Lauderdale, FL) “It was a lot of fun! We had the full moon shining at the start, the skies were blue, and everyone was super friendly!”

Chick-fil-A 5k: 

Men’s Winner: Austin Duckworth, 15:36 (Charlotte, NC) 

Women’s Winner: Elizabeth Laseter, 16:55 (Charlotte, NC) 

Complete results for all events can be found here: 

https://results.raceroster.com/v2/en-US/results/554nhffagcfxre7m/results

Photos from today’s event can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/t/aSq8jmLJenuL8nFX

Video from today’s events can be found here:

https://www.dropbox.com/t/RcA15Ah3jRijK0WI

About RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon 

RunCharlotte is Charlotte’s home for the resources, inspiration, and experiences to guide runners of all paces. Since 2005, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has capped the local road racing season. The event and its participants have contributed more than $500,000 to support programs at Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital. 

Event website: https://thecharlottemarathon.com

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Media contact: DC Lucchesi dc@well-runmedia.com 704-577-8459 

Running truly is a gift. (Ask any runner who’s been forced to take some time off, right?) For those of us Running Around Charlotte, there are any number of ways to pay that gift forward. Here’s our updated list, starting with programs for local youth. Each year, the list of opportunities to pay it forward grows – and that’s a good thing, too. 

We’ve included links to find out more or contribute to these local nonprofits. For the more than curious, we’ve added links to related episodes of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast. 

Western North Carolina Relief Efforts 

Whether you’ve run, raced, hiked, or just popped-over to play, we can all pretty much agree; the western part of the state is pretty special. Some places are back up and in business, but there’s lots to be done in the recovery department. Here are links to a few lists from of vetted relief agencies: 

From The Charlotte Ledger: https://charlotteledger.substack.com/p/why-restoring-clean-water-is-taking 

From Axios Charlotte: https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2024/09/29/helene-flooding-north-carolina-donations-help

From Charlotte FIVE: https://www.charlotteobserver.com/charlottefive/c5-things-to-do/article295811609.html

Your Local Public School’s Athletic Program

The high schools or middle schools in your area likely have cross country and track programs that are woefully underfunded, and need your dollars to share the sport with marginalized kids. Simply contact the school of choice and ask about a booster club or foundation for the athletic department!

CMS Athletics site (with schools): CMS Athletics – Charlotte 

Girls on the Run

The earlier we can teach girls to be active and healthy, the more likely they are to make good habits that last a lifetime. Girls on the Run, founded in Charlotte, became a national phenomenon based on this premise. The popular afterschool program offers the opportunity and encouragement girls need to learn about inner strength, confidence, and their own health and fitness at a crucial age. GOTR teaches skills of character, care, and self-reliance through running.

To Give: https://www.gotrgreaterclt.org/Support-Us

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2023/11/21/karen-gipson-girls-on-the-run/ 

Let Me Run

If you’ve heard of Girls on the Run, you may know there is a similar group for boys called Let Me Run. A new, reformulated-for-the-times curriculum addresses boys’ emotional needs brought on by the pandemic, in addition to its traditional format of challenging the “Boy Code.” The non-profit program, also founded in Charlotte and growing nationwide, encourages boys in 4th through 8th grade to be healthy, build relationships, and live active lifestyles with skills learned through running and positive communication. 

To Give: Let Me Run Donations | LetMeRun.org

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2022/11/22/jesse-smith/ 

Cross Country for Youth

Cross Country for Youth introduces young people to cross-country and character-building concepts with twice-a-week training. The non-profit for 9- to 14- year-olds (4^th – 8^th grades) teaches endurance, flexibility, and character development through group runs, stretching, and focused talks about Integrity, Respect, Sportsmanship, Responsibility, Perseverance, Teamwork, Commitment, Courage, Discipline and Leadership.

To Give: Cross-Country For Youth

More Than Miles
Founded by our friends at Mad Miles, this nonprofit 501(c)(3) aims to build and strengthen community. Their three pillars of focus are to provide resources to the community, promote educational advancement, and encourage acts of service. Naturally, we’re fans. 

Their “More Than Miles” scholarship was created to provide collegiate students the opportunity to develop professionally and socially while highlighting the importance of community in building successful networks. 

To Give: https://www.madmilesrunclub.com/morethanmiles
To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2023/08/01/cornell-jones-mad-miles/

Josh Neuman Foundation
Chris and Kristin Neuman started this Charlotte-based nonprofit to honor their son, Josh – an extreme skateboard athlete and YouTube star who died in a plane crash in 2022. Josh leveraged his fame for good, and the Neuman’s continue to help others “Live a Good Story” through the foundation. Focused on feeding others and providing access to clean water, the Josh Neuman Foundation partnered with Nourish Up at this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon and their “Miles for Meals” program.

To Give: https://joshneumanfoundation.org
To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2024/10/10/kristin-neuman-courtney-oates/ 

Samaritan’s Feet 

Samaritan’s Feet believes that a new pair of shoes can provide a tangible foundation of hope, and decrease the possibility of getting a foot-borne disease. Since its founding in 2003, this Charlotte-based non-profit and partners have distributed over 8 million pairs of shoes in 108 countries and over 440 U.S. cities. 

To Give: Samaritans Feet  

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2020/11/17/tracie-ohonme/

Black Men Run 

Black Men Run is about more than just getting in the miles. This program aims to reverse negative health trends and increased health risks that plague Black males, by offering support and camaraderie through running. The organization’s mission is to encourage African American males to get out and be active. The Charlotte chapter of this national organization is active and open to all! 

To Give: Black Men Run: Home

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/11/09/gregory-washington/ 

Achilles International 

Achilles International is a global organization operating in 18 countries including the US, transforms the lives of people with disabilities through athletic programs and social connection. Since their founding in 1983, Achilles International has empowered over 150,000 athletes of all ages and ability levels to participate in endurance events around the globe. You’ve probably seen some of them at the finish of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon! 

To Give: https://give.achillesinternational.org/give/321270/#!/donation/checkout 

NC Special Olympics 

Special Olympics North Carolina held its first Games in 1970 with 400 participants and has since grown to be recognized globally as one of the largest Special Olympics programs in the world. Nearly 40,000 children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate in Special Olympics North Carolina. 

To Give: https://support.specialolympics.org/a/north-carolina?ms=IDMP_DB&utm_sozurce=donatebtn&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=IDMP 

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2023/06/06/philip-blount/ 

Black Girls Run 

Black Girls Run was launched in 2009 to encourage and motivate Black women to practice a healthy lifestyle, and to battle what the nonprofit calls the “growing obesity epidemic” in the African American community. The group is a fitness resources to get ALL women moving — regardless of race — and lower the number of women with chronic diseases associated with an unhealthy diet and sedentary lifestyle.

To Give: BGR! Foundation

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/04/13/black-girls-run/ 

Para Guide

Running a marathon or taking part in other sports is a big enough challenge for most anyone. Now imagine you are training or competing with a visual impairment that doesn’t let you see the crowd or bumps in the road as clearly as the other athletes. Para Guides allows athletes with visual disabilities to train and compete in swimming, cycling, running, or group activities by pairing them with another athlete or coach who guides their way, even providing transportation if they have none. 

To Give: Blind Running | Para Guide | United States

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2019/09/03/shannon-houlihan/

Speed for Need

This nonprofit was created with inclusiveness in mind. Trained drivers (runners) share races with their special needs Track Commanders (riders) by pushing them in customized racing wheelchairs. Speed for Need has a mission to raise awareness and foster inclusion of those with a special need, supported by the men of F3 Nation.

To Give: Speed for Need | Who Pushes Who?

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2019/07/23/kevin-young/

Hemby Foundation

The Hemby Foundation is the charitable entity that supports the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, beneficiaries of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. While not technically a running nonprofit, they work daily to protect and preserve the health of our children so they can grow strong and run someday! 

To Give: Support Hemby Children’s Hospital

To Listen: https://runningaroundclt.blubrry.net/2021/09/28/jessica-osborn/ 

Know of a running-related nonprofit that needs to be on this list? Let us know! Email ed@runcharlotte.com 

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By now you’ve probably heard the news: the 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is a sold out affair. That includes every one of Saturday’s events: marathon, half marathon, relay, and the Chick-fil-A 5k. Even if “must do” and “marathon” are terms you’d never utter in the same sentence, this year’s record-setting event really will be a must-see! 

For starters, it’s the 20^th anniversary running of the event; you’ll at least want to tell your friends, “yeah – I was there!” There’s a record number of registrants this year, representing all 50 states and 19 countries. Showing off a little local color will give them something to go home with and tell their friends. And, it truly is inspiring to see all of these athletes taking on the challenge here at the end of the year. 

That being said, here’s where to see and be seen at this year’s event: 

Start line: Early-risers, this one’s for you. EVERY event starts Saturday morning along South Tryon Street, between Levine Ave. of the Arts and Brooklyn Village Ave. Marathon, half marathon, and relay runners begin at 7:20am; Chick-fil-A 5k runners begin at 7:35am. 

Mile 4.3: Plenty of great viewing space on both sides of Providence Road here. Runners should all still be buzzing with the excitement from the start line, and relay runners will be nearing their first handoff. Good times!

Mile 6: Our friends from Around the Crown 10k, Cross Conditioning Training, and the Ballantyne Run Club will collab at this cheer station just past the 10k mark. You’ll be happy to see them just before you make the turn to tackle that climb on Morehead Street! 

Mile 9: The Charlotte Running Club hosts this cheer station along Latta Park in Dilworth. It’s really a beautiful stretch along the route. Both full and half marathon athletes are still together at this point, so everyone gets a dose of the good, local vibes here. 

Mile 11: Our partners and friends from Dole will host their first-ever cheer station here. We cannot confirm or deny the presence of Bobby Banana at this location. They’re celebrating 125 years in the banana business. Expect fun to be had! 

Mile 14.5: At Belmont Ave. and North Davidson, the gang from Birdsong Brewing Run Club hosts this annual cheer station. It’s a great hang, and a welcome site for marathoners who’re just over a mile into the second half of their journey. 

Mile 17.5: Summit Coffee on the Plaza (2501 The Plaza) hosts this cheer station out of this popular morning run club location. If you’re local, you’ll want to add their Friday 6:15am run with the folks from Charlotte Running Club. 

Mile 18: Marathon runners pass Mattie’s Diner (3100 The Plaza) two times. The Mattie’s Diner Run Club and friends will be getting loud and proud. Easy parking at the Diner, in the adjacent lot across Shamrock Drive, or across the street at the grocery store. 

Mile 20: The Plaza, between Chestnut and Kensington. The people and the party in Plaza Midwood never disappoint. TBH, by the time you see them, they’ve probably been partying as long as you’ve been running. A real shot of energy and enthusiasm, and other stuff, if you’re amenable.

Mile 24.75: This is the second of two cheer stations hosted by Let Me Run. (The first is near NW corner of Latta Park, near mile 9.3) And the timing is perfect here, as marathoners have just about a mile and a half to the finish. If you’re not trying to find a runner at the finish, this is a great place to give runners one last, “you can do it!”  

Mile 26: Here at South Graham Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., the finish line is literally right around the corner. An absolutely appropriate spot to yell, “you’re almost there!” 

You can also find all of the cheer stations and entertainment locations along the event routes here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1d5dLYR55lRyy4dzVBg4ua_52oh1eegs&femb=1&ll=35.22828870261735%2C-80.84929656183243&z=19 

20^th Anniversary Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Weekend is Here!

FOR IMMEDIATE USE: 

November 14, 2024

Charlotte —  There’s plenty to celebrate this weekend at the 2024 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon! For starters, this year marks the 20^th running of the annual event. And, for the first time ever, all event distances are sold out. This year’s registrants represent all 50 states and 19 countries. 

All events start and finish in uptown Charlotte. Organizers are prepared for a record 9600 runners who’ll take on the full marathon, half marathon, relays, a rucking division, or 5k distance. 

“This really is a celebration of the running community and its ongoing support,” said Tim Rhodes, Managing Partner and Race Director for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “We’re grateful for that, and the support of the City of Charlotte, public safety, the thousands of volunteers, the neighborhoods, and everyone who’s hosting a party or a cheer station along the course.” 

The weekend’s events begins Friday, November 15^th with the Health and Wellness Expo and packet pick-up at the Charlotte Convention Center. The Expo is free and open to the public, and include a day full of activities, vendors, retail experiences, Charlotte’s DJ Rosice, and LIVE recording sessions of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast. 

Saturday, November 16^th events include the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, half marathon, rucking half marathon, full and half marathon relays, and the Chick-fil-A 5k; all of which start on S. Tryon Street, between Levine Avenue of the Arts and Brooklyn Village Ave. in uptown Charlotte.  

Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Event Weekend Schedule: 

Friday, November 15

Health and Wellness Expo and Packet Pick-Up 

Charlotte Convention Center, 501 S. College Street, CLT 28202 

10:00am — 7:00pm 

Saturday, November 16

ALL events start on South Tryon Street, between Levine Ave. of the Arts and Brooklyn Village Ave.

7:20am — Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, half marathon, and marathon/half marathon relay starts

7:35am — Chick-fil-A 5K start 

Neighbors and drivers can find more information about traffic delays and road clear estimates here: https://thecharlottemarathon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/TBT-marathon-directions_2024.pdf 

About RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon 

RunCharlotte is Charlotte’s home for the resources, inspiration, and experiences to guide runners of all paces. Since 2005, the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon has capped the local road racing season. The event, its participants, and partners have contributed nearly $500,000 to support programs at Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital. November 16, 2024 marks the event’s 20^th anniversary. https://thecharlottemarathon.com 

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Media contact: DC Lucchesi dc@well-runmedia.com 704-577-8459