Tag: Community

Dive into reflections on connection, belonging, and the power of coming together to support, inspire, and grow with others.

  • Donut Know How I Ran This Fast 🍩

    Donut Know How I Ran This Fast 🍩

    This past Saturday’s BIG Nike Takeover was such a vibe.

    The run was hosted by Run In Greenville and fueled by some of the best caffeine in town from Due South Coffee Roasters. But the real heart behind the event? Supporting the next generation of creatives by collecting art supplies for local schools.

    I laced up the new Nike Vomero 18s for the first time, and they did not disappoint. Super cushioned and responsive—the perfect combo of comfort and speed. They felt so good, I couldn’t help but lean in and let it rip:

    24:45 for a new 5K PR. 🔥

    Not mad about walking away with a free hat from the Greenville Uptempo Sports raffle and a limited-edition tee featuring custom art by the one and only @tjeisenhart (seriously—such a cool collab). Every detail of the event felt thoughtful, from the gear to the coffee to the art. And the vibes? Immaculate.

    It was one of those runs that reminds me why I do this—fast miles, good people, and purpose behind the pace. The end result is pure joy.

    Let’s run it back soon, fam. 🤙

    PHOTOS BY CITIZEN MEDIA CO


  • 5K PR Fueled by Fiesta

    5K PR Fueled by Fiesta

    Most people celebrate Cinco de Mayo with tacos and tequila. I celebrated mine with a free group run and a surprise PR.

    The 5K run was hosted by Run In Greenville and New Balance, held at the always lively Double Stamp Brewery. It was one of those perfect spring evenings where the vibes were light and the energy was high. The kind of night where you show up expecting a social jog, and somehow end up racing the clock.

    The real wildcard? New Balance brought some demos, and I couldn’t resist trying out the FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4s. The moment I laced them up, my legs said “¡Vámonos!”

    I wasn’t planning to push the pace, but the bounce in those carbon-plated super shoes said otherwise. Whether it was the shoe technology, the vibes from the crowd, or the Cinco magic—I found myself cruising faster than I’ve ever run a 5K.

    Previous 5K PR: 26:13

    Cinco de Mayo: Sub-26, baby.

    Yeah, yeah, my Apple Watch says 3.09 miles. Haters can take it up with the GPS gods. The real takeaway? My pace was 7 seconds per mile faster than my previous PR, and I felt smooth the entire way.

    Was it the shoes? The placebo? The CINCO magic?

    Don’t know. Don’t care.

    All I know is: FAST is FUN.

    Big thanks to Run In Greenville, New Balance, and Double Stamp Brewery for putting on a great event. I’ll definitely be back for more group runs—and maybe another PR or two. 🌮✨

    Photos by CITIZEN MEDIA CO. Full gallery here.


  • Moving For Mental Health

    Moving For Mental Health

    This Saturday, May 3rd, a small group of us will gather in downtown Greenville, SC, for a 5K meetup in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month. I wanted to take a moment to share why this matters.

    The event is part of the Move For It 5K, a nationwide virtual campaign organized by To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA), a nonprofit that exists to bring hope, help, and mental health resources to those who are struggling.

    We’ll meet at Run-In on E. Washington Street and move together along the Swamp Rabbit Trail — not racing, just showing up. The pace doesn’t matter. What matters is the intention behind the movement: to remind ourselves and others that people need other people.

    This campaign isn’t about miles or medals — it’s about mental health. It’s about creating space for hard conversations, showing solidarity with those in pain, and moving in the name of hope.

    I’m sharing this because I believe storytelling can spark connection. If you’re reading this and mental health is something you care about — or something you’ve personally struggled with — I invite YOU to follow along, reflect, share, or donate if you feel called.

    💚 You can learn more or support the cause at:
    👉 https://give.twloha.com/greenvillesc

    🤙 Follow along on social:
    📸 https://instagram.com/brentalexander

    This weekend, we move not just for ourselves, but for anyone who needs to know they’re not alone. If you’re struggling, please know that hope is real, help is real, and your story is important.

    And if you’re local and want to move with us — it’s not too late!

    We’ll start at 7:30 AM at Run-In in downtown Greenville. Just show up ready to run, walk, or simply be part of something meaningful. See you on the trail! 🏃‍♂️


  • 100 Miles For Cancer

    100 Miles For Cancer

    A Challenge For A Cause

    In February, I’ve decided to run 100 miles—not just for myself, but for something much bigger. As I ramp up my mileage in preparation for my upcoming half marathon on March 1st, I’m partnering with the American Cancer Society in a virtual challenge to support those fighting cancer.

    I’m running 100 miles for cancer, and I’d like to share why this means so much to me and why I hope you’ll join me in supporting the cause.

    A Journey Beyond the Miles

    Running has always been a personal challenge—an opportunity for growth, self-discipline, and pushing through physical and mental boundaries. But in February, my miles will carry a deeper purpose. As I run each step, I will do it in honor of those who have battled and lost, those who are still fighting, and those who have fought and won. This challenge is about more than just endurance—it’s about remembering loved ones and supporting those in the fight against cancer right now.

    While my half marathon on March 1st unfortunately won’t count towards my 100-mile challenge (it ends February 28th), it still represents the physical and emotional effort that this month is all about. Every mile run will be for them—those whose strength and courage inspire me to keep pushing, especially when it gets tough.

    Honoring the Fighters, Remembering the Lost

    Cancer has impacted nearly every one of us in some way. Whether it’s a loved one who has faced the disease, a friend or family member who is still fighting, or someone we’ve lost too soon, the emotional weight of cancer is undeniable. I’ve seen firsthand how cancer takes its toll, but I’ve also witnessed the incredible resilience of those who fight it with all they have.

    This month, I’m running for everyone who has battled cancer and for the families who have supported them. Whether you’ve lost someone to this disease, or you know someone currently in the fight, I hope you’ll take a moment to reflect on those warriors and their strength.

    Why 100 Miles?

    Running 100 miles in one month is no small feat. But I’ve chosen this challenge because it symbolizes the perseverance and determination needed to overcome cancer. Each mile represents a step toward raising awareness, offering support, and raising funds for critical research that continues to push us closer to a cure.

    I believe in the power of community, and that’s why I’m asking for your support. Every donation to my JustGiving page goes toward cancer research and support for those who need it most. Together, we can make a tangible difference.

    How You Can Help

    I’d be honored if you could join me in this journey in any way you can, whether you donate, share this post, or simply offer words of encouragement as I take on this challenge.

    You can follow my progress and contribute to the cause on my fundraising page: Brent Runs for Cancer. Every donation, no matter how small, helps fund cancer research and support services that improve the lives of those fighting this disease.

    Thank you for being part of this journey. With your help, we can make these miles count.


    The miles I run this February will be a physical challenge, but the emotional drive behind them is what will keep me going. This is my way of honoring those who have battled cancer, remembering those we’ve lost, and supporting those who are still fighting with every step.

    Let’s lace up and run this race together.


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