As we’ve said before on the program, for every runner joining us at the start of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon… there’s a backstory they carry along with them.
Our guest today on The Running Around Charlotte Podcast is one of those runners — and he has one of those stories. Jeffrey Hudnall told us he got into running because he wanted to be better tomorrow than he is today.
And once you hear the rest of his story, we think you’ll agree—he really is!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:33 — 31.0MB)

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As we have said many times on this program, for every one of the THOUSANDS who run with us at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon… there are thousands of reasons “why.” 

Taylor Christie is one of the runners who shared their “why” with us, and graciously agreed to share that story with us here on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. 

Taylor and Taylor, thanks for being on the program! 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:52 — 30.1MB)

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Our next guest on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast is a name some OG Charlotte runners may remember. Quite honestly, we’re surprised we’re just now getting him on the program! 

Jay Holder is the Executive Director of Running USA—a relatively new role for him. He’s the former VP of the Atlanta Track Club, a former professional journalist, and collegiate runner. 

And, another item he can add to that LinedIn profile: guest on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast! Jay welcome to the show! 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 26:18 — 36.1MB)

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Maybe you’ve seen our next guest running around Charlotte… if you have, she was probably a blur, anyway. Stephanie “Pezz” Pezzullo is fast. Like, Olympic Trials fast. And she wants to help you be fast, too. 

But that’s just part of the Pezz story. There’s running, there’s family trauma, there’s a dog – and more running. Stephanie, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast! 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:46 — 42.3MB)

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In case you missed the big news, Run Charlotte and Recover Brands are teaming-up starting this year provide runners with event tees, official merchandise, and more – with less of an environmental impact.  

Runners will see this partnership come to life with the first of our Run Charlotte events – the Novant Health Lucky Day 7k – then, all the way through the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. And that’s just part of the story.  

Bill Johnston is the founder of Recover Brands, and he’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Bill thanks for joining us! 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:22 — 29.4MB)

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As we have said – and heard – many times on this program, EVERYONE has their reason to run. 

We checked in with this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon participants and asked them why THEY run with us. Many of you were happy to share your stories with us, including Jurgen Buchenau, who wrote this to us:

This marathon will be the tenth time I have run this race as a long-time Charlotte resident, and my twelfth marathon overall. From my first Charlotte marathon as a 41-year-old in 2005 to this marathon, which occurs several months before my 60th birthday, I have seen this event grow into one of the most fun running events in North Carolina!

Naturally, we excited to hear MORE from Jurgen and what makes the NHCM sch a “must do.” Jurgen, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:18 — 26.5MB)

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Motivation takes many forms, especially for runners. Whether we’re trying to get faster, or just get off the couch, or somewhere in between, there’s some place for every kind of runner.
Our next guest had a pretty serious wake-up call that moved him into the running ranks. And after years of smoking, he went cold turkey on the smokes and is now full-tilt on the running.
He finished the half at this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon weekend… on his quest to 50 states. He’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.
Cort – welcome to the program!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 19:35 — 26.9MB)

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March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. and the “Get Your Rear In Gear” run is designed to raise awareness and money for area colon cancer patients and screenings.
Robert Stricklin, a colon cancer survivor from right here in Charlotte, He helps to organize the local event which is not just about running, but also making it easier for folks to talk about cancer that affects a pretty “private” part of the body.

Robert, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte podcast!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 21:33 — 29.6MB)

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The marathon starting line is FULL of stories about how and why people got there, and we’re always fishing for ones that will inspire, motivate, and entertain folks. 

When we asked this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon participants who’d be willing to share THEIR stories… we were flooded with responses. Our next guest on the Running Around Charlotte podcast is one of those who answered our call.

Introducing himself as THE AMAZING WINSTON WATSON – in all caps – we knew we’d have to get him on the program. Winston, thanks for joining us on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 25:01 — 34.4MB)

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