Blog: Feature Stories

April 25, 2024 

Charlotte —  RunCharlotte and the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon announce an all-new partnership with Charlotte-based Keffer Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (Keffer Jeep). Keffer Jeep joins the event as Official Auto Partner. 

RunCharlotte owns and produces six of Charlotte’s most well-known running events, including the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, which celebrates its 20^th anniversary this fall. Keffer Jeep is a market leader in diverse vehicle inventory, customer service, and community involvement. This new partnership allows both brands to act on a shared mission to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.  

“We’ve had a long relationship with Jim Keffer and the Keffer brand over the years,” said Tim Rhodes, RunCharlotte President and Managing Partner of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. “This partnership with Keffer Jeep takes it to the next level, bringing a brand that’s synonymous with adventure and fun, and connecting it to the unique experience here at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon.”

Runners can expect to see Keffer Jeep plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) leading the November 16th Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. RunCharlotte and Keffer Jeep will partner on other opportunities throughout the year. 

“We at Keffer Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM are thrilled to be the Official Auto Partner of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon,” said Rick Trinkl, Keffer Jeep General Manager. “Celebrating 50 years in business, we’re driven to inspire and support every runner’s journey, mirroring their endurance and determination with our dedication to excellence in automotive service. Together, we’re running towards a brighter, more connected community.”

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 20^thanniversary running of The Novant Health Registration is open for all events at: https://runsignup.com/Race/NC/Charlotte/CharlotteMarathon

About Keffer Jeep  
Keffer Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM (Keffer Jeep) is a prominent dealership in Charlotte, NC, celebrated for its 50 years of dedicated service and commitment to integrity and customer satisfaction. This family-run dealership prioritizes honesty, transparency, and respect, ensuring a straightforward car-buying experience with their Price Beat Guarantee. Keffer Jeep positions itself as more than just a dealership; it’s a part of the community, emphasizing southern hospitality and treating every visitor like family. Whether customers are in search of a rugged RAM 1500 or the iconic Jeep Wrangler, Keffer offers a wide selection of vehicles to meet diverse needs. Promising a warm welcome with a smile and a handshake, Keffer Jeep aims to make every customer a lifelong friend, reflecting their ethos of “The Family Store” in every aspect of their operations.

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

Spring Fuel is (Finally) Here

If abs really are built in the kitchen, we’re quite tired of this construction project that’s made of sweet potatoes, brussels sprouts, and hothouse tomatoes. Bring on the spring fruits and vegetables, already! 

Eating what’s “in season” means you’re buying and consuming produce pretty close to the time that it was harvested. That, of course, means the produce is at its peak in both freshness, flavor, and nutrition. All good things; especially given the cost of groceries these days. 

“Like us, traveling can make these perishable products, weary and weak,” adds Chef Rhonda Stewart from Johnson & Wales University. “The shortest drive to the market will yield the best-looking and tasting produce. Better yet, you can go to some of the farms and pick them yourself!”

With our grocery stores so well-equipped with just about any fruit or vegetable available during any month of the year, it’s really hard for consumers to know what is actually fresh and right now. And, Chef Stewart has a fix for that conundrum, too.  

“Look at the Visit NC Farms website. Visit NC Farms Today  You’ll find this a great resource for activities, farmers markets and which fruit, vegetables, fish, and seafood are locally fresh right now.”

Through May, Stewart says we can expect to find asparagus, radishes, green peas, turnips, broccoli, and romaine lettuce. Strawberries are just starting to ripen at our local you-pick farms, with blueberries coming soon. 

Related, most area grocery stores are pretty proud of the fact they carry local produce. Local farmers markets are usually excellent sources of produce that’s been grown close to home.  

So what should we create with these delicious findings? Stewart suggests a Risotto Primavera with local peas, broccoli, and asparagus.  Add a crisp salad with Romaine lettuce, radishes, and a lemony vinaigrette.  And for dessert?  Fresh strawberries; naked.  

“If they are truly fresh, they don’t need any help to taste delicious!” 

We can get behind that idea. Enjoy! 

PS: Here’s a Risotto Primavera recipe we’ve actually put to the test. https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10086/risotto-primavera/

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Keep it Clean Out There 

Charlotte is arguably one of the cleanest cities we’ve ever lived in. Spend any time running around Charlotte, compare it to most other places, and you’ll probably agree. Whenever we spend a few days out of town, we’re reminded of just how good we feel we’ve got it. 

But keeping it clean out there doesn’t happen magically. Yes, the City’s trash and recycling folks do the bulk of the lifting, but it’s not a perfect system. And that’s where we can jump in and make a difference. 

The Charlotte Running Club, Recover Brands, Sustain Charlotte, well-run media and friends are partnering to organize and promote a plogging event along the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon course. 

The Basics:

What: Clean the Course Plogging Event 

When: Sunday, April 21 – 11am 

Where: Meet at Cordelia Park, (600 E. 24^th Street, CLT 28205) 

What’s plogging anyway? 

Glad you asked! Simply put, it’s a casual mix of running or walking at any pace, and picking up trash along the way. 

“It’s a mix between a social and a running event,” Charlotte Running Club’s Rebeca Ehrnrooth told us. “Most of the Charlotte Running Club events are targeted for runners, we also like events where you can include your family and your dog, too.”

Coincidentally, Ehrnrooth is from Sweden, which is ground zero for the whole plogging movement. It’s nice to have a pro on board. 

Do I need special gear or equipment for plogging? 

Nope. Bring your kids, friends, family, and all that. This Clean the Course plogging event is open to everyone; all ages and all paces. And, the folks at Keep Charlotte Beautiful are supplying the gloves, safety vests, trash grabbers, and bags. Doesn’t get any easier than that. 

We’ll cover roughly a mile in about an hour and a half, so it’s not a huge commitment. And, as Ehrnrooth pointed out, it’s late enough in the morning so it won’t wreck your schedule if you’re an early runner. And the shared experience won’t make it seem like a chore. 

“It’s often easier to jump into a group effort because there’s a shared sense of purpose,” said Sustain Charlotte’s Meg Fencil. “Even if we didn’t directly contribute to the problem, we’re most effective as individual changemakers when we combine forces to remind each other of the importance of why we’re doing this.”

Recover Brands’ Adam Bratton told us he’ll share the experience with his kids. Seriously. This will be easy, fun and family-friendly. 

“Most people know about “curb appeal” in their neighborhoods, but let’s not forget about “course appeal” for our favorite hometown marathon!” 

Can’t argue with that, Adam. 

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Where to Run: Parks and Greenways 

Charlotte is full of great places to run! But if you’re one of the more than 100 people moving here every day… you may not have found them all quite yet. As part of a fun, new series we’re launching, we thought we’d ask some folks who’ve logged a few miles to give you a head start finding some of Charlotte’s favorite places to run. We’ll begin with a list of area parks and greenways! 

McAlpine Creek Greenway

“Channeling all of the super-fast high school and collegiate cross country runners who have raced there is my fave!” – Lisa Landrum, RunCLTRun 

Arguably, one of the area’s most popular running spots. The upper trail connects to Campbell Creek Greenway taking you almost up to Idlewild Road. Heading south, you can take this greenway all the way to Providence Road.

Map it here

Little Sugar Creek Greenway

“Little Sugar Creek Greenway is my favorite greenway. Recent additions have made it so long! You can travel from the NoDa/Villa Heights area to the South Carolina state line using it. I know, the construction near Atrium Health at Kings and Morehead is a pain, but it’s a minor hiccup for such a fun stretch of greenway!” – Ashley Mahoney, Axios Charlotte

If Freedom Park is “Charlotte’s park,” then surely this is Charlotte’s greenway, stretching more than 17 miles. 

Map it here

Colonel Francis Beatty Park

“If I ever need to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, I head to Beatty. Early in the morning you can hear the birds chirping, the soothing sounds of water running, or at times the rustling of the leaves as a family of deer runs near you. It has a 5-mile flat, non-technical trail ( a few roots) that encircles the park. If you are looking for an easy trail run, come to Matthews, and run Beatty. To introduce those to trails, I started a weekly group run on Wednesdays at 7am. I’d love to have you join me anytime. Or if that day or time doesn’t work, I’ll give you a personal tour.” – Chad Champion, Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador 

Check that weekly greenway run and see for yourself. 

Map it here

Four Mile Creek Greenway
“Beautiful in the morning! – Miller Yoho; Charlotte Sports Foundation, Meck Mile 

This 3.3 mile greenway connects downtown Matthews with Squirrel Lake Park and from E. John St. to S. Trade St. with connections to the Matthews Heritage Trail and Matthews Sportsplex. Additional sections of the trail are part of the Lower McAlpine/McMullen trail network. 

Map it here

Mallard Creek/Toby Creek Greenway
“I like this one mainly for casual runs.  It’s running distance from my house, has flat sections for those who want that and elevation if I’m looking to do hill training.  Not a lot of bike traffic so the turns aren’t as hazardous as other greenways. Not as ideal for workouts because the GPS can be spotty due to tree cover during the summer.”   – CJ Langley; treasurer, Charlotte Running Club

You can get some miles here, as Mallard Creek also connects to Barton and Clarks Creek Greenways.

Map it here

Latta Nature Preserve
“Packed with options for single track trails, crushed gravel surfaces and groomed services roads that all weave in and out of waterfront views along Mountain Island Lake. This is my go-to trail system for quick afternoon miles, weekend long runs, and nature hikes with my little homies (5 & 8 yrs old) … it’s a plus that I can also jump on the water via various kayak launches at Latta!” – Adam Bratton; Recover Brands, Human Powered Movement 

You can sure make a day of it, with the Carolina Raptor Center and Quest Center also on the property.

Map it here

Charlotte Rail Trail
“I’m a bit biased because I have lived on or near the Rail Trail for eight years and host two weekly group runs on it, but it’s my favorite place to run. The mix of people, the ease to get to other places to run, the fact that it’s flat… There are just so many positives and it’s easy to walk someplace with friends for food or a drink after a run on the Rail Trail.” – Phillip Sanford; president, Charlotte Running Club 

The Charlotte Rail trail runs along the Lynx Blue Line from Center City into South End. The 3.5 mile route passes shops, bars, restaurants, retail and more. 

Map it here

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Making the Best of Allergy Season 

It’s here; covering seemingly everything that doesn’t move. It’s on your car, your patio furniture, your glasses, your pets… And just as soon as you attempt to wash it away, it’s back. 

We’re talking about the pollen, of course. For allergy sufferers, spring may be one of the toughest times to run. Or breathe, for that matter. And even those who don’t have seasonal allergies, pollen counts can spike the air quality index to levels that make it downright difficult for anyone working, playing, or running outside. 

Regardless of the conditions, a runner’s gonna do what a runner’s gonna do – which is run, of course. So we checked in with our partners at Novant Health for their advice on making the best of allergy season. The good news is, allergy season doesn’t have to be a total sufferfest. With some simple changes in your routine, you can keep your running and training on pace. 

It’s also important to remember that your allergies may change over time, says Dr. Keith Anderson, a family medicine and sports medicine practitioner at Novant Health. He’s also a runner, triathlete, and medical director for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. What worked last year may not work as well – if at all — this season. When in doubt, ask your doctor to develop an allergy treatment protocol that’s right for you.

Running Through Spring Allery Season

• Know what’s out there. It’s easy to keep track of pollen counts on your phone, with apps from The Weather Channel, My Pollen Count, Allergy Alert, and others. 
• Timing is everything. If you can, run later in the morning or in the afternoon when pollen counts are usually lower. 
• Wear a hat and sunglasses. The hat’s brim and your sunnies can keep allergens out of your eyes and off your face.
• Keep it indoors. These treadmill workouts to keep it fresh (treadmills: https://runcharlotte.com/treadmill-or-dreadmill/ ) Or use high pollen count days for strength training, yoga, or other indoor workouts.
• Shower and change. After outdoor runs, shower and change as soon as you can. That will get pollen and other allergens off your skin, hair, and clothes. 

Check out more on how to Run Through Spring Allergies Like a Pro https://runcharlotte.com/spring-allergies/ 

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