Explore Charlotte’s many group fitness and running scenes
This collection of stories captures the vibrant fitness and running scenes in Charlotte, showcasing community-building efforts and personal triumphs.
An inspiring marathoner shares stories of overcoming personal challenges, with the Charlotte Marathon featuring unique individual paths.
A young Gastonia resident finds a shared bond through training with their family for the marathon, highlighting communal support in fitness.
The Black Pickleball & Co. initiative rethinks leisure activities by promoting diversity in pickleball and networking opportunities among Black communities.
Meanwhile, the diverse community focus continues, with Latino-led hiking groups inviting participation across cultural lines, demonstrating how physical activity enhances community cohesion.
Read the stories below.
NO. 1: ‘YOU ARE WELCOME:’ A BLACK CHARLOTTE PICKLEBALL CLUB IS CREATING INCLUSION AND CULTURE
Black Charlotteans now have a welcoming space where they can enjoy pickleball and a sense of community with Black Pickleball & Co. | Published June 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Myles Manor
NO. 2: CHARLOTTE HIKING GROUP EMPOWERS BLACK WOMEN TO EMBRACE THE OUTDOORS, RECLAIM THEIR SPACE
Malika White started “Black Girls Do Hike,” and is learning how to run a nonprofit within a billion dollar industry. | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lisa Vernon Sparks
NO. 3: WORKOUTS, BUT MAKE IT HOT: HEATED + INFRARED GYMS, SAUNAS AND MORE IN THE CHARLOTTE AREA
No cold, creaky joints this winter, with Charlotte spots offering heated — including infrared and red light therapy — workouts, saunas, yoga and more. | Published October 15, 2024 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 4: 8 BIPOC HIKING GROUPS THAT ARE CHALLENGING OUTDOOR STEREOTYPES IN NORTH CAROLINA
Most people who visit national forests, wildlife refuges and parks are white, but it shouldn’t be that way. These local and regional groups are changing that. | Published October 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 5: WHY WOULD ANYONE WANT TO RUN 26.2 MILES? 5 UNIQUELY MOTIVATED CHARLOTTE MARATHONERS EXPLAIN
These are the personal stories of how Kim Callaway, Daní Benítez, Kristin Padgett and William Lin were inspired to make their way to the start line in uptown this weekend. | Published November 14, 2024 | Read Full Story by Théoden Janes
NO. 6: INTO FITNESS AND JUST MOVED TO CHARLOTTE? HOW TO MAKE NEW FRIENDS AT THE GYM.
It can feel intimidating moving to a new place, and now you’re surrounded by sweaty people engrossed in exercise. But secretly, Charlotte is “a small town that feels like a big city” — and we all want to chat. Here’s where to go. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 7: ARE LUXURY GYMS GETTING CHEAPER IN CHARLOTTE? SOME ARE — HERE’S WHAT TO KNOW.
Luxury fitness is in high demand in Charlotte: A look at price comparisons and where to find amenities such as cold plunge, red light therapy and saunas — and more. | Published February 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Heidi Finley
NO. 8: CHARLOTTE DENTIST RAN 7 MARATHONS ON 7 CONTINENTS IN UNDER 6 DAYS. HOW? AND WHY?
Smita Warrier — and yes, that really is her last name — was among just a few dozen runners who paid $50,000 for a whirlwind trip covering 183.4 miles of running and 28,000 miles of flying. | Published April 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Théoden Janes
NO. 9: 21 BEST HIKING TRAILS NEAR CHARLOTTE, INCLUDING BEGINNER-FRIENDLY AND FULL-DAY HIKES
Ready to explore the Carolinas on foot? This guide highlights fantastic hiking options near Charlotte — or within a couple hours’ drive — for every skill level. | Published April 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Melissa Oyler
NO. 10: NEW TO CHARLOTTE? HERE ARE FIVE FITNESS CENTERS WITH OUTPOSTS IN THE AREA
New to town and searching for a gym? We have pulled together five notable gyms to make finding your new fitness center a breeze. | Published May 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mike Kaye
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.