CHARLOTTE, N.C. — No matter how fast or how slow, dozens of folks took to the streets to exercise their bodies and their rights Tuesday night with the Mad Miles Run Club in Charlotte. The goal: encourage runners to run to the polls for the 2024 election.
"Once upon a time people like me couldn’t vote, I just want to exercise my right," said one runner who talked with WCNC Charlotte as he got his steps in.
Each reason was unique, but the message was still the same: it's always good to exercise, be it physically or your right to vote.
As each person warmed up and headed down to the starting line, many told WCNC Charlotte they were hoping to make a difference and cast their ballot along the way.
"We have the responsibility of mobilizing our community -- if we don’t do it then who will," said Curtis Walls, the owner of You Vs. Yourself Gym. "It's important for us to show up."
"I think everybody is kind of fed up with just the world in general no matter what side you are on, we are ready for a change," said Anthony Clark, a runner who showed up for Tuesday night's event.
Tuesday night's run happened with just a week left in the 2024 election cycle. Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and early voting in the Carolinas is set to wind down this weekend.
Contact Tradesha Woodard at twoodard1@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.