Running Group Takes Over Levy Park

Obesity is an ever-growing problem in the U.S., bordering on an epidemic; however, a determined group of ladies are out pounding the pavement in an attempt to turn back the fitness tide.

Black Girls RUN!, whose slogan is “Preserve the Sexy,” is an organization that encourages women everywhere to get out and get moving, all in the name of getting in shape.

A shocking statistic supplied by Black Girls RUN! is that four our of every five African-American women in America are currently considered obese. According Sharon Hoskins, ambassador of the group’s N.Y. chapter, this fact prompted two women, Toni Carey and Ashley Hicks, to get up and take action.

“In 2009, they just decided to start running and created a blog about the experience,” she said. “They developed a following from the blog. It encouraged a lot of women to get up and start running themselves and it grew from there.”

Before they knew it, Black Girls RUN! was born. There were groups of runners popping up across the country. In time, it grew into a national organization of about 67 groups and counting that go running every week.

“The Long Island group got started about a year ago,” Hoskins said. “We invite anyone, as long as you’re a women – it doesn’t matter if you’re not a black woman. As long as you’re interested in getting more healthy and more fit, just come out and come run with us.”

Among the Long Island group’s regular running haunts is the Norman J. Levy Preserve in Merrick. Every Saturday morning, they meet bright and early to tackle the park’s three mile fitness trail, with Hoskins citing the beautiful views as excellent motivation to keep pushing onward and upward.

“I started running about three years ago. Me and a group of friends held a weight-loss challenge,” she said. “I did so well that I then started training for a half-marathon, and the following year I started training for a full marathon. During the course of my training, I lost 30 pounds.”

Vernell Bond of Freeport, a lover of the outdoors, was looking for a way to get into shape. Black Girls RUN! helped to discover a love of running that remains with her to this day.

“I wanted to get in shape, but I’m not comfortable in a gym,” she said. “I went online and found this group and everyone gives you a lot of support and information. I ended up realizing that I’m not the only person who wasn’t comfortable at the gym – it was refreshing. I came out with the ladies one Saturday last October and I’ve been coming ever since.”

Marilyn Manuel, of Roosevelt, has lost 20 pounds since joining Black Girls RUN! She says that being part of the group has helped her to remain focused on her fitness goals.

“I started walking back in October and I wanted to learn how to train for a five kilometer run,” she said. “I found Black Girls RUN! on Google and I joined online. My first time going with them I did a three kilometer run; they encouraged me. I later did an eight kilometer at Eisenhower Park and they were there cheering me on, like a family.”

To women who might be on the fence regarding adopting a healthier lifestyle, Hoskins had some blunt but persuasive words to encourage them to try.

“Get up off of the couch and come on out,” she said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re not a runner – we’re all so supportive and we’ll help you to do your best. We’ll take you just as you are and no one will put you down if you can’t run a mile yet. Eventually, you’ll do it, and we’re here to help you.”

Women who are interested in joining Black Girls RUN! can sign up on the group’s website. The cost of joining is free; the only requirement is to bring your desire to get into shape and lose weight.