Running Around Charlotte

Ordinarily here on the program, we’re talking to runners about THEIR unique journey, and how running has impacted, influenced, or otherwise shaped their lives. And that’s great! On this episode, we’ve got some big news that’s going to not only impact runners… but RUNNING around Charlotte itself. (See what I did there?) I’m not even overselling when I say this may be one of the biggest stories in running – or at least for the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon – in 20 years. And we’ve got Miller Yoho, director of communications and marketing for the Charlotte Sports Foundation here in the studio on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Charlotte Sports Foundation: https://charlottesports.org Miller Yoho: [email protected]

We’ve said this a thousand times on this program: every runner out there has a story; their “why” that gets them out there logging those miles, pushing the pace, hitting the starting line. In that respect, this week’s guest isn’t much different from the rest of us. Fact is, Matt Nolan isn’t the first person to use running in an effort to pay it forward. He’s not the first guy to leverage his network to reach a lofty fundraising goal. He’s not even the first one to turn a very personal tragedy into motivation for a very public goal. But it’s the genuine place of gratitude that all this effort is coming from that let me know I had to have him on the show. And, yes – running and run clubs have everything to do with the fine mess he’s gotten himself into now! Here’s Matt Nolan on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Fundraising page w/story: https://www.givengain.com/project/matt-raising-funds-for-the-leukemia-and-lymphoma-society-massachusetts-chapter-111113 My *personal* reflection on Mom: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18AxBFzctx/ Mom’s formal obituary: https://www.sytsemafh.com/obituaries/bonnie-nolan/obituary   Strava: https://www.strava.com/athletes/40444994 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattnolan1/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattnolan93/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matthew.john.nolan

On this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, we’re talking about one of the cornerstones of the local running community — the Charlotte Running Club. The Charlotte Running Club has been connecting runners of all paces and backgrounds for years; building friendships, fitness, and a true sense of belonging here. And leading that organization these days is club president Rebeca Ehrnrooth. Like many of our listeners, Rebeca has only been in Charlotte for a few years. And, like so many folks, she used running to discover her new hometown. We talk about what’s changed in those few short years, and the club’s plans to grow along with the city itself.

Today on Running Around Charlotte, we’re joined by someone who is rewriting the rules of “urban exploring” here in Charlotte. Tim Reitz is the founder of MuralTours704. He’s a running-enthusiast turned community connector who blends two passions: movement and appreciating street art. Tim leads guided running and walking tours around Charlotte that highlight the city’s remarkable murals. He’s getting folks out of the gym, off their usual running paths, and onto streets and alleys where art and local culture intersect. Tim, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast… and today I’m thrilled to turn the tables on my man, Nick Sturdivant, anchor and reporter at WCNC here in Charlotte. Nick isn’t just a good-looking guy —he’s about to tackle his first half marathon here at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon this Saturday. Full disclosure, we did talk a little earlier this week when he had us over at HIS studio, so I’ve got a little inside scoop here … but it is fair to say he’s learned a thing or two about the Charlotte running community, and himself – as he’s prepared for tomorrow’s event. Nick, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, recorded LIVE here at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Expo. On the eve of the big event, it’s only fitting that we’re joined by Myles Wynn, Team Hemby’s leading man… and Dani Smith, the Philanthropy Manager for the Novant Health Foundation. Myles has helped steer Team Hemby as runners tackle the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, and Dani is at the center of turning every mile more meaningful. In case you’re new around here, this event and runners and friends just like you have helped raise more than $600,000 for programs at Hemby Children’s Hospital. And if Myles and Dani get their way, there’ll be more where that came from! Myles and Dani, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Our guest today is someone who has taken “running around Charlotte” quite literally. Mark Feldpausch and his daughter, Mira, took on something a little bigger — running every single street in the City of Charlotte. What started as a father-daughter project has become an exploration of the Queen City few people will ever experience. From cul-de-sacs to service roads, hidden neighborhoods to city landmarks, Mark and Mira are seeing Charlotte block by block — on foot — and documenting the journey along the way.

Welcome back to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, LIVE from the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Expo. Today I’ve got some of my favorite folks in the running community on the program with us: Brian Mister and Lisa Landrum. They the folks behind the Around the Crown 10K, the Noda 5k, and now Charlotte RaceFest. They are all about celebrating Charlotte’s runners, sustainability and the community partnerships … all the stuff that brings us together. If you’ve ever wondered if a single local race can foster community and purpose… sit tight, kids. Answers coming your way. Brian and Lisa, welcome BACK to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

As we have said many times on this program, for every runner at the start line, there’s a story there, too. When Kristine Nunn told us why she was running this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, we knew we had to learn more. Not going to lie… her special bond with her niece had us a little choked-up. But, we didn’t expect to hear how their relationship had changed over the years, even with all the miles between them. We’ve got a real treat for you here on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Marathon Update: In case you’re wondering, Kristine finished this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon in 5:03:26. She told us she loved seeing the different parts of the city along the route, and of her 9 previous marathons, she said Charlotte’s crowd and city energy are the top of her list. And yes, she had a great time with her niece — hitting the museums and the Hornets game, too. Sounds like a heck of a weekend, Kristine!

On this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, we’re talking with Robert Griffith, who’ll be taking on the 2025 Novant Health Charlotte half marathon. It’s a journey that started last fall, when he read a quote that was quite literally life-changing. To say that he’s transformed himself is to put it lightly. Whether you’re running or not, we believe you’ll be inspired by his story, too!

Our guest on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast is a true North Carolina running legend—a father, doctor, and relentless marathoner whose race stats are only matched by his big-hearted advocacy. Dr. Bill Johncock has racked up more than 100 marathons, paced his father and his son through the starting corrals at Boston and beyond, and—most meaningfully—has run stride for stride with his son Logan in more than a dozen marathons as a duo team. They’ve checked off Boston, Chicago, Berlin, and New York as they chase the goal of completing all the World Marathon Majors together. But that’s just part of Bill and Logan’s journey. We caught up with them before they hit the start of the 2025 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon… here’s Dr. Bill on this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

We talk a lot about making your miles more meaningful, whether you will be running the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, Half Marathon, or Chick-fil-A 5K, or just running in life, period. And some people do that every day, and our guest on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcastis one of those guys. It’s Charlie Godfrey, and he is the Development and Major Gifts Director for the Parkinson’s Association of the Carolinas. They do a ton of work for the care and education and assistance of the more than 50,000 folks in the Carolinas and their caregivers and families who suffer from Parkinson’s disease. So if you’re not familiar with this organization and how they impact folks here in the Carolinas every day… sit tight, spend 20 minutes with us here on this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

Adam Bratton is not what you’d call a man about town. He’s also about the woods, the trails, the water – or just about anywhere else that’s outside. If you ask us, that makes him a pretty good fit for his role as Marketing Director at Recover Brands. To catch you up real quick, Recover Brands has been on a 15 year mission to lighten the impact that apparel and woven goods have on the planet. And, if you’ve participated in events running around Charlotte, and other places, too – you might have run or walked away with a Recover Brands tee. Yes, that includes the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon! We caught up with Adam at the Charlotte Convention Center – and we’ll explain why – on this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Clare Kubiak is a Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador who brings enthusiasm, resilience, and a little bit of humor to the local running scene. Her story includes the mental and physical shifts that come with motherhood and some truly memorable, “mom-life” injuries—including a recent, and very relatable, tailbone bruise – we’ll get into that in a minute! Clare’s honest perspective can sure make runners of all levels feel seen and heard! Clare, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

On the podcast, we’re talking with Dani Smith and Betsy Zarzour about a special opportunity to make your miles more meaningful at this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, half marathon, and Chick-fil-A 5k. Find out why Team Hemby is for everyone! It’s on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

Today’s guest is Danielle Heath, the dynamic manager and marketing director for Fleet Feet Charlotte. As a passionate advocate for building community through running, Danielle leads the way not only in outfitting Charlotte’s runners but also in connecting them to events, resources, and with each other. With Fleet Feet stepping in as the title sponsor of the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Expo this year, Danielle is helping to shape an experience designed to inspire and energize runners and their supporters alike! Welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, Danielle! We made it work!!

Today’s guest is Nick Cook, a multi-talented designer and illustrator whose passion for running is as bold as his artwork. Based in North Carolina, Nick’s work marries artistry and athleticism—he has crafted everything from brand identities to large-scale murals, including the standout artwork for this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. His illustrations capture the energy, emotions, and culture of running in ways that connect and inspire, one finish line at a time. Nick, welcome to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

We’re excited to welcome Jocelyn Ingram, who’s taking on a unique and inspiring role at this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon—as a Charity Chaser! Jocelyn is no stranger to starting lines: she’s an ultra runner, a coach at Charlotte Christian and Randolph Raider Runners, and a true advocate for both the sport and her city. This fall, Jocelyn will run to raise funds for Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, turning her marathon miles into a force for good. Jocelyn, thanks for joining us on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast!

Big banks, fintech and Lance crackers aren’t the only things with roots right here in Charlotte… the nonprofit program Let Me Run was also born right here in the Queen city. For folks who don’t know yet, the Let Me Run program inspires boys to be themselves, be active, and belong, through lessons on all sorts of topics, including respect, positive competition, friendship, and nutrition – and yes, they run. Nikki Prenoveau is executive director of the CLT region and David Brewer is a coach with 9 seasons behind him already! They’re our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.

New numbers are in—and there are now 157 people moving to the Charlotte area every DAY. And, it goes without saying that not every one of them is landing here with a 6-figure job, or a stable place to stay. That’s where Project Outpour comes in. Project Outpour provides free mobile shower access and hygiene services to neighbors experiencing homelessness here in Charlotte. You’ve probably seen some of their staff and volunteers on race day, and didn’t even know it. Let’s fix that, shall we? MaShonna Hughes is Executive Director and Chief Dignity Officer at Project Outpour, and she’s our guest today on the Running Around Charlotte Podcast.