Armani McDonald shares how initiatives such as Around the Crown 10K and Mad Miles shape an inclusive and welcoming community for all when running in Charlotte.

(The mural in the feature image is located at Charlotte Running Company’s Dilworth location and is by Charlotte artist Garrison Gist.)

If you stop by Charlotte Running Company’s Dilworth location and ask about the local running community, you’re likely to strike up a conversation with the store’s manager, Armani McDonald. It’s a topic McDonald is particularly passionate about — specifically, the many ways Charlotte is creating and nurturing an inclusive, inviting space for all runners.

In addition to helping people find the gear they need to start their training, McDonald does his part to ensure runners are supported by running as a pacer at local races. In fact, he’s paced many half marathons, including the Charlotte Racefest and Truist Corporate Cup, but has never raced that distance himself.

For McDonald, uplifting others is the most rewarding aspect of being a part of the running community. He says he enjoys helping runners achieve their goals and encouraging them to make it across the finish line.

McDonald does have personal running goals ahead, however, including the NYC Marathon this fall. And the annual Around the Crown 10K will look a little different in 2025 than in years past. McDonald’s fiancée, who he met at Charlotte’s Mad Miles Run Club, gifted him a stroller registration to announce her pregnancy. About to be a family of six, they have many adventures ahead.

Below, McDonald shares what he loves about running in Charlotte and the community initiatives that make the city an inclusive space for runners to thrive.

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When did you get into running, and what do you enjoy most about it?

I have been running my entire life playing different sports, soccer being my true love. Running now is a way to stay in shape, stay competitive with myself, and also have healthy competition amongst peers.

Being able to help others achieve their goals is the most fulfilling. Whether it’s pacing, mentoring, or fitting individuals at Charlotte Running Co., the privilege to serve in the sport I have come to love is what I enjoy most.

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What running accomplishment are you most proud of?

I am most proud of finishing the 2023 Chicago Marathon. More pointedly, the quality I gained from giving myself grace when I felt I had let so many in my corner down. I finished in 3:16:56, a discouraging 20 minutes over my goal. But I thought about all the people who helped me accomplish this goal — my fiancée who did the entire training with me, and my running community waiting back home to celebrate me.

I was able to pick my head up and wear my medal proudly, tell my story, and encourage someone else to be great, even at the risk of falling short, because “we can do hard things” [quoted from Jen Dufresne at Charlotte’s Cross Conditioning Training].

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What’s your favorite part about running in Charlotte?

My favorite aspect about running in the Queen City is the way it brings our city together. This common ground bridges different worlds and, for some, even creates a life-saving space.

Run clubs like Mad Miles have changed the way start lines look. Races like Around the Crown 10K have made races more accessible to the parts of Charlotte where BIPOC are the majority by creating pay-what-you-can initiatives and just being good people. I’m not only excited, I’m in tears writing this because I’m so proud of us.

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What is it about the Around the Crown 10K that makes it a special race?

The Around the Crown 10K was founded by Brian and Chelsea Mister. I love it because of its inclusivity. From old to young and all different ethnicities, it is extremely inviting. It is probably the largest stroller-sub event in the world!

I love it because it is actually a reflection of Charlotte, from half the race being on Interstate 277 to the name and the day of fun that surrounds it. I love and appreciate that the founders are always looking for ways to make it more affordable and accessible. They’re constantly pushing limits for the betterment of the community, forcing others to take a look in the mirror.

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What’s one route you recommend runners check out while they’re in Charlotte?

My favorite running route is the Little Sugar Creek Greenway. I love the many access points and the length. I also love that women in the running community have a safer place to run.

Before you go run there, you should know that there is not much elevation, which is great sometimes. If you plan to run while the sun is down, you will need a light.

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Find more places to run in Charlotte in the Charlotte City Guide.

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