Friday’s Shakeout Run
Lace up, Richmond! 👟🔥
We're kicking off the Sweat With Your Sole Conference with a shakeout run you don't want to miss!
A huge shoutout to our friends at We Off the Couch and Black Men Run Richmond for leading this unforgettable run through the historic streets of Jackson Ward on Friday, September 11! 🙌🏾
Expect great vibes, amazing people, community, and a chance to explore one of Richmond's most iconic neighborhoods before an incredible conference weekend.
📍 Shakeout Run
🗓️ Friday, September 11
🏃🏾♀️ Led by We Off the Couch + Black Men Run Richmond
📍 Route: Historic Jackson Ward
Whether you're chasing a PR or just here for the fellowship, this is the perfect way to start your SWYS weekend. Let's hit the streets together and show Richmond what the BGR! community is all about! 💜
We Off The Couch
Founded in 2019 by Anthony Clary in Richmond, Virginia, We Off The Couch (WOTC) is a Black-led non-profit community running and fitness organization that began as a personal journey to take control of health and wellness, quickly evolving into a citywide movement. Born out of a deep-seated need to make fitness accessible and inclusive, WOTC was established to break down the historical, financial, and cultural barriers that often keep marginalized communities from stepping onto the pavement. Our driving focus is empowering Black communities and people of color by ensuring equal access to representation, resources, safe spaces, and health advocacy. Today, as an officially commended organization, We Off The Couch is redefining what a running community looks like mobilizing Richmond from the ground up to improve lives, build social connection, and fight for health equity.
At its core, We Off The Couch exists to transform community health by providing safe, supportive, and accessible spaces for movement. Guided by the principles to Connect, Contribute, and Conquer, WOTC is grounded in radical inclusion, ensuring that no one is left behind. By treating physical movement as a catalyst for holistic wellness, WOTC creates a welcoming “village” where people can process life’s heavy burdens, strengthen their mental well-being, and prioritize their health together.
Anthony Clary Sr., M.S., QMHP, is a dynamic community leader, practicing social worker, counselor, music producer, motivational speaker, and certified running coach. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, and raised in Richmond, Virginia’s historic Blackwell community, his life’s trajectory shifted profoundly following the tragic loss of his brother a heartbreak that ultimately fueled his deep commitment to uplifting and healing others.
Clary earned his Master’s in Human Services and operates as a Qualified Mental Health Professional (QMHP), dedicating his career to serving vulnerable populations. Today, he continues his hands-on impact as a social worker and serves as a program manager overseeing community initiatives across Richmond and Charlottesville, while also channeling his creativity into music production.
After facing a critical prediabetic diagnosis, Clary turned to distance running for survival, losing 100 pounds and completely transforming his life. Driven to share this life-saving outlet, he became a certified running coach and founded the nonprofit We Off The Couch in 2019, earning an official commendation from the Senate of Virginia for working to one day close Richmond's life expectancy gap. Having already brought his mission to the global stage at the prestigious Boston Marathon, Clary continues to build community, promote active living, and advocate for holistic well-being across the city—proving that it is entirely possible to overcome life’s heaviest hurdles.
As a motivational speaker, Clary shares his blueprint for shifting from “surviving to thriving,” living by the philosophy that true success is measured by the value you add to others. Above all, he is a proud and devoted father to his four children Alissa, Anthony, Caleb, and Kaylee who remain his ultimate inspiration.
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Black Men Run Richmond Captain
Stan Brayboy has served as captain of the Richmond chapter of Black Men Run since 2023. He is an ultramarathoner, four-time marathon finisher—including two World Marathon Majors—and has completed 13 half marathons. He is an RRCA Level 1 Certified Running Coach and currently serves as a half marathon training coach with Sports Backers.
A native of Durham, North Carolina, Stan is a proud alumnus of Morehouse College and holds an MBA from the University of Chicago.