It was fun to find Charlotte on the list of the happiest cities in the United States. There were all sorts of factors in the WalletHub survey that make the rankings make sense. But for local runners, being “happy” here doesn’t seem like a stretch at all. The Queen City’s vibrant running community, growing diversity, and Southern hospitality make it pretty easy for just about every kind of runner to find their happy place. Or pace, as it were.
A Thriving Run Club Scene
Charlotte’s running scene is now chock-full of running clubs. With something like 76 running clubs in the area, finding a group run is as easy as finding the closest brewery or local running shop. Gabrielle Olexa is one of those local runners who’s found happiness and community in the friendly confines of running clubs. “I thought this was normal, but people tell me that in other cities there aren’t this many at all,” she said. “Our running community is just outstanding!”
This sheer number of clubs doesn’t just provide running partners; it fosters a sense of belonging. Sarah Barton Thomas moved to Charlotte just over a year ago. She said part of the fun is the sense of belonging she finds here in the running community.
“Charlotte is where I’m becoming a runner for the first time in a long time,” she said, “and it’s fun because the people in the running community are not judgmental,” she said. “I’m not a fast runner, and no one has ever said I don’t belong or made it feel like there’s some kind of barrier of entry to get in…It’s such an encouraging community.”
If you’ve been running around Charlotte at all, you’ve probably seen Martin Flores. He’s a repeat Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador, regular run clubber, and enthusiastic cowbell ringer at any event he’s not running. “The amount of groups and their diverse make-up and leadership brings a smile to my SOLES!!” he wrote.
Hard to argue with that.
The Science of Running Happiness
Juliet Kuehnle, a licensed clinical mental health counselor supervisor and owner of Sun Counseling and Wellness, says there’s some real correlation to the thriving, welcoming running community and its contribution to the city’s happiness: “We know from the Harvard study of Adult Development that ‘strong positive relationships and social connections’ are THE most significant predictors of happiness, well-being, and longevity.”
She adds, “For runners, creating a ‘happier’ community can start with small, intentional steps. Local running groups not only encourage movement, but also foster meaningful social connections. Community runs that support a local cause or simply create casual meetups allow people to share stories, connect, and learn from one another.” (Insert Marathon pic here)
Signature Routes and Running Events
Charlotte’s landscape and topography offer a variety of running experiences. Our growing greenway system, expanding trail networks, and tree-lined streets, make for some pretty great running. And some of the 117 people moving here every day will be surprised to find that nearly every running route probably has some hills. We like to think that keeps things “interesting.”
The city’s running calendar is also packed with events that cater to just about every kind of runner. Most every local event benefits a local or area nonprofit, too. Here are just some of the runs and races where you’ll find the crowds, the fun, and community:
Charlotte Racefest
The Charlotte Race Fest features a half marathon, 10K, and 10K relay. It’s one of the larger road races in the spring, with a fun finish experience in Symphony Park.
Elizabeth 8k
This family-friendly and competitive road race is a rite of Spring here in Charlotte. The Elizabeth 8k route is a challenging course that showcases the Elizabeth Neighborhood, and one of Charlotte’s most vibrant urban landscapes.
Around the Crown 10k
One of the largest 10k races in the area, the Around the Crown 10k event allows runners to experience Charlotte’s streets from a unique perspective – one that’s usually just for cars. As part of this event you’ll get to run on part of the 277 loop!
Novant Health Charlotte Marathon
The Novant Health Charlotte Marathon is the Queen City’s only full marathon,offering a scenic course through Charlotte’s most historic and eclectic neighborhoods. It also includes a half marathon and a the Chick-fil-A 5k, making it a running weekend fit for participants of all levels!
Charlotte Turkey Trot
A local tradition for 35 years, the Charlotte Turkey Trot is the largest, single distance event in the state with more than 10,000 runners and walkers.
Brian Mister, race director of the Around the Crown 10k, sums up the Charlotte running experience perfectly: “It’s hard not to smile running around the beautiful streets of Charlotte. From the packed rail trail, to the beautiful greenways weaving through town, to the daily run clubs, it’s hard not to find a reason to be happy when you’re sweating all around the Queen City. Whether you’ve been here for 2 months or 20 years, you immediately feel and then reflect that southern hospitality.”
Happiness, however, isn’t a constant state, reminded Kuehnle. And if you’re not feeling happy, that’s completely okay. When you’re not feeling it, she recommends focusing on small, mindful actions that can set the stage for a brighter mood: go for a short run, jot down a few things you’re grateful for, or reach out to someone who makes you smile.
“Building a happy community starts with each of us taking care of our mental wellness and extending kindness and support to those around us,” added Kuehnle. “It’s a communal effort.”
Charlotte isn’t perfect, and that’s OK, too. It’s getting more expensive, crowded, and trafficky every day. But happiness isn’t a destination, it’s a journey. And running can create the kind of shared experience that makes the trip – and the community – better for everyone.
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