Marc Cameron, general manager at Savannah’s Howe2Run running specialty shop, talks about community and running in Savannah. (Marc is third from the left in the featured image.)

Just as running specialty shop Howe2Run opened its doors in 2019, Marc Cameron was training for his first marathon. Now the store’s general manager, Cameron helps others who are training to achieve their own running milestones.

But running wasn’t always in Cameron’s sightline. He shares, “If you told me 10 years ago that I would be working in the running industry, and in five years I’d be running a marathon, I would have said you are crazy!”

Becoming a runner gave Cameron a new lease on life following serious health concerns in his mid-30s. It also led him to find his “run family,” as he calls the friends he’s made through running.

Cameron’s enthusiasm for the Savannah running community is infectious. If you’re in town for a visit and stop by Howe2Run, he’ll likely suggest joining a weekly group run — from the store on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings at rotating locations around town.

Howe2Run provides Cameron daily opportunities to connect with runners, guiding customers through a physical screening and fit process to help them select their next running shoes. The shop, which relocated to its current Savannah location in 2020 after suffering fire damage and persevered through the pandemic, was named one of The Running Event’s Best Running Stores in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

(Follow Howe2Run on Facebook and Instagram!)

Read on to learn about Cameron’s inspiring journey to becoming a runner, his favorite place to run in Savannah, his go-to running gear, and more.

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How did you get into running, and what are your greatest running accomplishments?

My running background began 10 years ago. I began running because, at age 36, my health was falling off a cliff — all my own doing by letting my weight get out of control. My weight had ballooned to 350 pounds, and I was starting down the road of major blood pressure issues, sleeping issues, cholesterol issues, and overall heart issues.

Running helped save my life! I had gastric sleeve surgery that year, which allowed me to learn the proper way of eating smaller meals to get my metabolism moving, how to eat healthier and hydrate properly. Weight-loss surgery does not make you lose weight, but it was part of the puzzle. I started as a walker, then a walk/runner, and then a runner.

The accomplishment I am most proud of is running my first marathon in 2019 — the New York City Marathon. Since that marathon, I have raced two more marathons, paced a marathon, and completed a six-hour ultramarathon. In the last 10 years, I have also done countless 5Ks, 10Ks, and half marathons.

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Where is your favorite running route in Savannah?

My favorite running route in Savannah starts at Daffin Park. Daffin is a beautiful park that I will run sometimes for a mile to get going, but then I love to leave the park and head up beautiful Washington Avenue. My route proceeds onto Bull Street toward downtown and the river. By continuing straight on Bull Street, you get to run through or around another gorgeous park, Forsyth Park. Many runners love to stop and take pics or selfies at the famous fountain in Forsyth. Then I continue straight out of Forsyth, still on Bull Street, through all the beautiful squares of Savannah and into downtown. Once downtown, there are many ways to go with beautiful streets and views, and you can also make your way onto River Street.

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What’s your favorite race in Savannah?

My favorite race in Savannah is the Skidaway Island Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5K. I love it because it’s during a great time of year here in Savannah, in February. The race takes place in The Landings, which allows for great views, and the course is flat and fast. The race is USATF-certified, and there are pacers for the marathon and half marathon. Along with Endurance Race Services, we offer packet pickup at our store for the entire week which locals really love. There are course and finish line photographers, and all the proceeds from the race go to a local charity each year.

(Learn more about destination races in Savannah and nearby Hilton Head in the Savannah Race Guide.)

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What running gear are you currently obsessing over?

Headsweats Elite shirts with the ventilated back for the heat and climate here in Savannah and the “low country.” Headsweats makes all of our Howe2Run store-branded shirts and race shirts.

Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless 5″ shorts and Pace Breaker Lined 7″ shorts. I love the quality and the performance of these shorts.

OS1st Active Comfort Socks have a great mix of thinness through the body of the sock and cushion in the forefoot and heel.

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What are your go-to spots for a post-run beverage or meal?

Post-Run Cocktail or Beer: Hop Atomica (535 East 39th Street, Savannah)

Post-Run Breakfast/Brunch: J. Christopher’s (122 East Liberty, Savannah), and Clary’s Cafe (404 Abercorn Street, Savannah)

Post-Run Coffee: Coffee Deli (4517 Habersham Street, Savannah), and The Sentient Bean (13 East Park Avenue, Savannah)

Post-Run Burger: Green Truck Pub (2430 Habersham Street, Savannah)

Post-Run Meal: Ardsley Station (102 East Victory Drive, Savannah)

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Do you have a favorite destination race outside of Savannah?

One of my favorite destination races is the Gate River Run in Jacksonville, Florida. It is also the 15K National Championships, so it’s a mix of professional and citizen runners. Running over the “green monster” bridge, as it is nicknamed, and ending the last three-quarters of a mile on a huge downhill is very cool. The race finishes at the stadium where the Jacksonville Jaguars play and has a great after-party.

(Learn about more places to run, group runs, and where to grab a post-run bite to eat in the Savannah City Guide.)

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