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.
RIP, Mattie’s Diner Run Club – we hardly knew you. By now, you’ve probably heard about the end of the proverbial – and actual factual road – of this run club, but don’t be too sad. The same folks that brought the attitude and the community to the Plaza will bring the party to a new location every Tuesday night. We’re talking with our man, Jesus De Latorre – a/k/a Jesus the Runner on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast.
Welcome back to the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Today’s guest is a true multi-hyphenate in Charlotte’s fitness scene: Jayne Little. Jayne began running seriously just a few years ago, in 2021, but she’s already completed three marathons—a testament to her determination and love of the sport. Outside of training for races, Jayne splits her time between working as a personal trainer at HIVE Fitness and building her career as a packaging engineer?? She’s also serving as a Charlotte Marathon ambassador, inspiring others to take on the challenge!
Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Today, we’re excited to welcome back Rebecca Greene—a returning Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador and a regular at the Mad Miles Run Club. Whether she’s motivating new runners, guiding other athletes, or showing off her infectious energy at group runs and races, Rebecca’s enthusiasm for community and fitness is hard to miss.
Welcome back to another episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast. Today, we’re talking about those weighted vests everyone’s wearing —and rucking—with our man, Michael Sweeting. He’s an active member of the Lake Norman Rucking Club, and he has “rucked” at numerous events, including tackling the half marathon at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon. With rucking gaining popularity and having its own category at the Novant Health Charlotte Marathon, we’re excited to hear why people are trading shoes for boots, and why walking with weighted vests is becoming so trendy.
A lot can change in a year. And for Arianna Shahin, that meant getting faster and fitter than she was just 365 days ago. She credits consistency, accountability, and trusting her coach. But it’s not all workouts all the time for this former dancer turned runner. On this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, Arianna explains other positive changes she’s made since last year.
Karyn Mendoza is a math teacher, mom, triathlete, former Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, and one of this year’s Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassadors. Yes, she’s just as enthusiastic as you’d expect a cheerleader to be – and in the best kind of way. On this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast, she tells us how she got from the sidelines to the classroom to the starting line at nearly every kind of distance … and what her students said when they found out she was a pro cheerleader!
On this episode of the Running Around Charlotte Podcast, we’re talking with Cara Hackett. She’s a 2025 Novant Health Charlotte Marathon Ambassador. Once you listen in here, you’re going to want to join her on the run! Her story is one of pure belief in self, dogged determination – and loads of laughs! Find out what all the fuss is about, and why she had us quite literally laughing out loud!
Devin Martin is clearly a man of action. When his “closest” run clubs were more than 30 minutes away from his house, he started his own. As it turns out, he wasn’t the only one in the neighborhood looking for running partners. It’s great having a “get it done” kinda guy on the Novant Health Charlotte Ambassador squad. And it was just as much fun having him as our guest on the program! Lindsey McGee guest hosts with DC Lucchesi on this episode of The Running Around Charlotte Podcast!
Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast! Today, we’re excited to welcome Alexander Valdovinos Garcia, known as @alxx.gar on Instagram. Alexander is a passionate runner and an active member of the Charlotte running community who brings energy, dedication, and a fresh perspective to the sport. Whether training for personal bests or connecting with fellow runners, Alexander’s journey is inspiring and full of valuable insights for runners of all levels.
Welcome to The Running Around Charlotte Podcast! Today we’re excited to chat with Rachel Holloway, known as @Glamamazonian on Instagram. Rachel is a dynamic presence in the Charlotte running community and a passionate advocate for diversity, inclusion, and women’s empowerment. With a background in communications, marketing, and leadership roles in both the nonprofit and corporate worlds, Rachel brings a unique perspective to everything she does. Whether she’s inspiring others online, supporting local causes, or chasing her own running goals, Rachel is all about building connections and lifting others up.
L. Boogie Da Don
Come on John...just wake up 30mins earlier and you can run with me 😅😂
L. Boogie Da Don
Today is the day!!! #BMR2TP #BMR2ThePodium 🏆🏆 #Repeat
L. Boogie Da Don
CJ...The Man...The Myth...The Legend
L. Boogie Da Don
I know that man 😁