Taylor Pryde Barefoot, pastor & NHCM finisher

Everyone has their own reasons for running. Some of us keep our reasons to ourselves… others have the opportunity to share their stories, never knowing the impact they can have on other people. 

Taylor Barefoot took advantage of a unique opportunity ahead of this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, when she allowed the Charlotte Observer to tell HER story in advance of her first marathon. 

Maybe you read it? She overcame more than just the training schedule and her role as a pastor at one of Charlotte’s largest churches to make it to the start line. She’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast to tell the rest of the story in her own words. 

Taylor – thank you for joining us on the program!

Miller Yoho, Charlotte Sports Foundation

Despite the performance of some of our local teams of late, we think it’s still fair to say Charlotte is a sports town. There’s plenty to prove that; from pro teams to Division 1, 2, and 3 college sports in the area… to the busy fields, gyms, pools, and races. 

Sports is big business, too. Generating MILLIONS of dollars in direct spending and local economic impact. And don’t get us started on the impact sports plays in the nonprofit space. 

One of the drivers behind some of that impact is The Charlotte Sports Foundation. They’re the mind and muscle behind the Duke’s Mayo Classic, the Jumpman Invitational, and others. 

Miller Yoho is Director of Communications and Marketing for the Charlotte Sports Foundation. He’s a runner, too… Miller welcome to the show! 

Philip Sanford, CLT Running Club President

The Charlotte running community continues to evolve. And with it, so do the many area events, run clubs, retailers, and so on who serve that community. 

The Charlotte Running Club is changing, too. Not only has the Club grown along with the community, it’s finding more ways to be a PART of that community. Another change is at the top of the club, where Philip Sanford is the new president. 

Philip, welcome to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

Bret Albers, Fleet Feet

The Charlotte running store scene is changing again. Maybe you’ve even noticed a new sign there on Providence Road at the site of the former UltraRunning Company. 

Our next guest on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast has the scoop on that… Brett Albers is the operating partner for Fleet Feet here in Charlotte and Fort Mill. Brett welcome to the show.

Mark Janik, Destination Marathons

There’s nothing like running in your own hometown. Waking up in your own bed. Enjoying breakfast in your own kitchen. Coming home to crash on your own couch… you get it.

It’s also pretty cool to run an out-of-town event, and traveling to someplace you’ve never been, and experiencing everything that “different” place has to offer. 

But there is, of course, the headaches that come with all of that “unknown territory.” And that’s where Mark Janik saw an opportunity.

Mark, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Lindsey McGee, NHCM Ambassador & PAWS Social Club

We’ve talked to many a guest here on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast who’ve shared stories about how running helped them meet new people. 

Our next guest is on the program has a little bit of that to her story… and she’s also paying it forward, helping folks AND their dogs make new friends. 

Lindsey McGee has managed to mix a few things she’s very passionate about, and turn them into an award-winning new business. Lindsey welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast! 

Théoden Janes, Endurance Athlete & Charlotte Observer Writer

Our next guest on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast “might” have one of the coolest jobs going. Chatting it up with celebrities, getting the good seats and backstage passes to ALL the big shows… or meeting and writing about “regular” people with incredible — and sometimes heartbreaking — stories. 

Théoden Janes is an Ironman, Boston marathon finisher, and then some. He’s also a father, husband, and lifestyle and entertainment writer for the Charlotte Observer.

Dave Behrens, 18x Novant Health Charlotte Marathon finisher

There is something to be said about consistency. Like “The Rock” said, “success isn’t always about greatness… it’s about consistency.” 

“Consistent” is truly a word we can use to describe our next guest here on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast. In fact, he’s been a part of this event almost as long as we have! 

Dave Behrens has run EVERY iteration of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon… and he’s back again this year for a run at making it 19 in a row. 

Dave, welcome to the program!

Karen Gipson, Girls on the Run

As the saying goes, “Girls on the Run is so much fun.” But the program is about a whole lot more than that. And, yes, it’s a whole lot more than just running, too. 

This homegrown program is truly one-of-kind, helping girls build the confidence, strength of character, and endurance to take on the world. Along the way, they’ll make new friends, and build healthy mental and physical habits that will truly last a lifetime. 

Karen Gipson is the Executive Director for Girls on the Run – Greater Charlotte. She’s our guest here on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

Amy McKinney, Novant Health Hemby Foundation

For folks who don’t know… Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital is the official beneficiary of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. The Marathon is proud to raise awareness – and money — for such an important and remarkable place in the Charlotte community. 

All that “remarkableness” doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Along with the medical team and staff, it takes folks dedicated to fundraising to make it happen. 

Amy McKinney is one of those dedicated people. She’s the philanthropy manager at the Novant Health Foundation – and she’s our guest on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast.