Black men run through Hampton Roads and do everything they can for health and inclusion

NORFOLK, Virginia. As an avid runner, I’m always looking for inspiring stories to tell about the running community.

I recently learned about the group Black Men Run Hampton Roads and they invited me to train. The group consists of participants of any level of training and age.

Yosif Rowell is a member of Black Men Run Hampton Roads and, on a scholarship, directs athletics at Old Dominion University.

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“Even though I’m the youngest of the guys, they include all of us,” he says.

Capt. Terrell White says the group has been in the area for more than a decade, but they recently renamed themselves from “Black Men Run” to “Black Men Run.” Black men running through Hampton Roads.

“We are in more places than one. So the Hampton Roads BMR, as we see here on the side of our icons, makes more sense because it’s a more inclusive thing that can impact the entire community,” White says.

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Inclusion and representation are two pillars of the movement.

“It doesn’t matter how fast you run; it doesn’t matter where you are. If you have a goal, then either one of us has achieved it, or we are ready to go on the journey with you,” he adds.

Martin Flemings has been on this journey since he joined us in 2013 and has run more marathons than he can count on one hand.

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“I love running because it keeps me healthy. Secondly, it also helps me be mindful and focused on what I need to do each day, and thirdly, I just see it as an escape from the world,” says Flemings.

Running is also a way to hold each other accountable when it comes to health and wellness.

“It is very important for black men to take care of themselves and eat a healthy diet. It is very important that we drink plenty of water every day and watch what we eat,” he added.

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Flemings says group runs are a time for men to connect and talk about what they’re doing with their health to stay on track. Members of Black Men Run Hampton Roads meet on Sundays at various trails in Hampton Roads and participate in as many local races as possible.

They are also associated with other managed groups and try to be a force for social impact and influence. The group also works around the world.

White tells me that not only do they extend throughout the United States, but they also have chapters in Kenya, Japan and England.

If you are interested in joining BMR HR, you can check them out at Facebook on their website.