Set the Pace and Black History Month
As part of New York Road Runners’ celebration of Black History Month, we’re highlighting episodes from the
Set the Pace Presented by Peloton podcast featuring Black runners who dedicate themselves to building community one step at a time.
Harry Chandler on Running, Retail, and Representation (February 6, 2025)
Harry is the co-owner of the Charlotte Running Company (CRC), one of the very few Black-owned running retail stores in the United States and voted the best running store in the country in 2021.
Tokyo Marathon Talk with NYRR Board Chair Nnenna Lynch (February 13, 2025)
Nnenna discusses her stellar collegiate and professional running careers, as well as her philosophy on staying fit in her 50s while juggling life as a CEO and raising two teenagers. As the first African American and first woman to serve as Board Chair for NYRR, Nnenna emphasizes the importance of diversity in the running community.
Jeffrey McEachern on Good Vibes and Six Stars, and All Things United Airlines NYC Half (February 20, 2025)
Jeffrey shares his running journey from his first steps during a low point in 2015 to running the Abbott World Marathon Majors. Professionally he’s gone from working in the fast-food industry to becoming a talent recruiter for the Voice of Germany to being a Peloton Tread Instructor known as the “chief of good vibes.”
Olympian Sharon Lokedi Is Inspiring the Next Generation of Kenyan Runners (February 27, 2025)
Sharon discusses her transition from collegiate running to professional road racing and winning the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon in her marathon debut. She reflects on her role inspiring young runners, particularly young women in Kenya, and the foundation she has established to support young athletes.
Reclaiming the Run: Alison Mariella Désir on Diversity, Activism, and Adventure (March 13, 2025)
Alison, founder of Harlem Run, author of the bestselling book Running While Black, and the host of the award-winning PBS show, "Out & Back with Alison Mariella Désir" discusses her work in the outdoor industry, building community, and making room for historically marginalized people in the running space.
How Kwasi Kessie Merges Marathoning and Fashion (March 27, 2025)
Kwasi, celebrity stylist and marathon runner, outlines his journeys in both fashion and running and shares his experience styling athletes like 100-meter Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles. Kwasi grew up in Harlem and attributes his love of fashion to his mom, who took pride in curating high-quality wardrobes for her kids.
A Special Marathon Episode for Your Long Run - with Cory Wharton-Malcolm (April 3, 2025)
Cory, Apple Fitness+ trainer, running coach, and author of the book, "All You Need Is Rhythm & Grit," brings joy and inclusivity to a sport that can often feel very intimidating and continues to be a positive force in the UK running community and beyond.