Celebrating a decade of community fitness and friendship with HoodFit and The Dimock Center
Back in 2014, the first 5K in Roxbury, Boston took place. A decade later, the event has grown in participation, programming, sponsorship and its impact on this local community. It is a wonderful example of collaboration, community and teamwork that brings positive results around the sport of running.
We hear from the founder, coach, partners and participants as they share their memories, favorite moments and aspirations for the Road to Wellness beyond this 10-year milestone.
Thaddeus Miles, Founder of HoodFit and the Road to Wellness
Tell us how the Road to Wellness began?
“The Road to Wellness began with a deeply personal journey towards holistic health—encompassing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. After a health scare that revealed high blood pressure and an enlarged heart, and seeing a family member struggle with depression, I realized the urgent need for a community-focused approach to wellness. Inspired by my friend Hector’s transformative journey through running, we launched the first 5K in Roxbury, initially named “Embrace the Journey”.
“A pivotal moment came when I met with Dr. Jordan from The Dimock Center and Suzanne Walmsley from the B.A.A. They taught me invaluable lessons about managing a race and the importance of setting aside my ego. These meetings convinced me that this race wasn’t about proving my HoodFit theory of change — it was about bringing a community together and being a model of collaboration. Their wisdom and support were instrumental in shaping the event. The Road to Wellness became more than just a race; it evolved into a celebration of community resilience and wellness, driven by a shared vision of holistic health and unity.
How important has the support of local partners been in the continued growth and success of the event?
“Every participant, volunteer, and cheering community member is a vital partner in our beloved community. Corporate and non-profit partners are crucial to our success, making us better each year. They help create an inclusive and joyful event with the health pavilion, community resources, and summer training programs. This collaboration ensures a competitive yet soul-enriching day that changes lives.”
How has the impact of this event rippled through the local community?
“The impact has been profound, especially post-COVID-19. The event has highlighted the importance of social interaction, self-care, and holistic wellness. It has inspired individuals to start anew, move past failures, and engage in self-care. The event has rekindled past programs, spurred new races in nearby communities, created economic opportunities, and, most importantly, fostered new relationships and connections.”
What are some of your most memorable moments from the event over the years?
“There are countless memorable moments, but two stand out. The first was seeing a senior with a walker at the starting line of our first race and hearing her proclaim, "no mountain is high enough to stop what God wants me to accomplish," as she crossed the finish line. Another unforgettable moment was reading a Facebook post from a young woman who came to watch the race but decided to run after being inspired by the energy. She shared that she was about to start cancer treatment and felt encouraged and ready to face her challenge after completing the race. Her vulnerability was deeply moving.”
What are your hopes and aspirations for this event for the next decade?
“I hope our beloved community continues to grow organically, with as much joy, love, and authentic support as we have today. At the age of 71, I aspire to run the race with the same joy, love, and pride I feel now. I envision a future where this event continues to inspire, heal, and unite people from all walks of life, fostering a thriving and empowered community.”
Dr. Charles Anderson, President and CEO, The Dimock Center
As CEO of the Dimock Center, what impact has this event had on the local community?
“As a physician, I can say that exercise, without a doubt, reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions that disproportionately affect Black and Brown communities like ours in Roxbury. Simply put, getting people walking and running is a great way to help keep people and communities healthy.
“Each Saturday that we gather for the Road to Wellness Summer Training Series or for the 5K Run or 2-Mile Walk in September, we’re empowering our neighbors to take manageable steps toward a healthier lifestyle. We’re helping people to live longer, healthier lives, enjoy more time with their loved ones, and have fun doing it.”
What was the initial hope for this event and how has it evolved over the last decade?
“When Thaddeus Miles started this event ten years ago, he said it’s unacceptable for the life expectancy in our neighborhood of Roxbury to be 30 years lower than in the wealthier neighborhood a couple miles down the road. And he decided to do something about it.
“He started the Road to Wellness in 2014 and brought people to walk, run, and be in community together. He created the first 5K road race in Roxbury. And when he saw how much interest there was in this movement, he brought in partners like The Dimock Center and the Boston Athletic Association to help it grow and flourish.
“Today, thanks to the support of our many amazing partners like our lead sponsor John Hancock, the Road to Wellness 5K Run/2-Mile Walk has grown to over 1,000 walkers and runners that gather here on Dimock’s historic Roxbury campus each September. It’s so much more than a road race. It’s a celebration of our community’s health and vibrance.
“Looking forward, I want more people who don’t yet exercise regularly to see the community and movement we’ve built and say, “If they can walk two miles, or run that 5K, then maybe I can too”.
"I’d also love to see people give this model a try in places outside of Roxbury, because we’ve seen that it works. We’ve seen the joy and connection it brings to our neighborhood. It’s really a wonderful thing.”
What have some of your event highlights been?
“I think the biggest highlight for me is knowing that the Road to Wellness is literally helping people in our community add days, weeks, and even years to their lives. This is what The Dimock Center’s mission of breaking down historic health inequities is all about. It’s not just about what happens within the walls of our health center. It’s about leveraging the power of community to help people take charge of their own health and wellness.”
Yvel Joseph, Head Coach for the Road to Wellness
Tell us about your involvement with the Road to Wellness.
“My involvement with the Road to Wellness began two or three years into its inception, supporting with the coaching program promoting the event amongst my community. This is now my second year in the Head Coach role. My role has always been how to motivate and support participants, especially those who come and join us for the summer training. I focus on how to motivate, encourage and inspire. This journey can be down, no matter your starting point and the Road to Wellness is only the first step.”
How important is the role of coaching and support for participants before and on race day?
“Coaching is paramount to helping people understand what this event is all about. The title of the event is awesome as everyone has a start and an end point, so the important part of coaching is meeting them where they are at. Opening people up with inspiring words and bringing their spirit into the community. Coaching is about making them feel welcome, feel special and that they belong. Whether it’s a mental or physical journey – everyone is welcome here and from this starting point, we are here to guide you along the way and reinforce the power of ‘YES I CAN’.”
How have you seen this event impact the local community?
“Here we are in 2024 summer training, and we have seen a major increase in our numbers, and this is really a testament to our work over the last few years. Getting the word out about our free summer training with experienced coaches and I think with that, we are encouraging our community to invite a friend. We have created a great umbrella for training that allows other groups with like minds and goals – for example Black Girls RUN and Black Men Run - to plug into what we do and that expands the branding and what our event is all about.
What are some of your highlights from the last few years?
“There are so many for me, so I’ll focus on the summer training. Seeing someone new come in and the change in them from week one through to the graduation run after 12 weeks and the actual event. We have seen so many success stories and seeing their joy and sense of accomplishment when they cross the finish line on race day.”
What is the one piece of advice that you give to participants that seems to resonate with them the most?
“I tell people they have to believe in themselves. As coaches, we are just trying to fill up their toolbelt and encouragement bank; but I want people to believe in themselves. Having the right frame of mind to start something and to finish it. You will have a little struggle, but you can persevere and have the dedication to see it through. The finish line in a race can be a physical line but finishing something that you started can be the biggest sense of accomplishment beyond the medal.”
Suzanne Walmsley, Director, Youth & Community Engagement, Boston Athletic Association
Tell us about the B.A.A.’s involvement with the Road to Wellness.
“In 2014, the B.A.A. had three youth programs but the organization did not have any programs to engage adults and families. Through my work with Boston Public Schools, I learned that if children are engaged and families are not, it is statistically less likely that the children will remain engaged in physical activity.
“When exploring possible ways to create programming for adults and families I received a call from Dr. Myechia Minter Jordan, President and CEO of The Dimock Center at the time. They wanted to put on a 5K that would engage the entire Dimock community and surrounding neighborhoods. She noted that, as a physician, she was often telling people to be active to improve health outcomes, but they did not have something specific to point to. The conversation began with The Dimock Center and Thaddeus Miles of HoodFit and here we are!
“Since it began, we have leveraged the collective assets of each partner and worked hard to engage the community. There are three components that have contributed to successful and sustainable growth: a trusted community organization & advocate (HoodFit), a known and trusted convener (Dimock), and a brand known for its experience and excellence in road racing (B.A.A). With faith, trust, and buy-in from the partners, the Road to Wellness has worked persistently to bring Roxbury community members into the planning and create ownership. The community has grown the race by showing up, participating, making connections, and championing one another as they embrace their journey.”
How have you seen the event change and grow over the last decade?
“What started as a few training clinics leading up to the race quickly evolved to 12 weeks of free training with professional coaches from June to race day in September. The race expo has grown exponentially, highlighting the many community partners whose missions align with those of the event. Many of the Road to Wellness participants have connected with local running groups and set themselves new running goals. The Road to Wellness could even be the community race with the highest relative number of Abbott World Marathon Major Six Star Finishers and those on the journey.
“Ten years on, the Road to Wellness is a beloved community tradition. It continues to grow and has become a place where people connect, collaborate and create community. It was and is one of the best celebrations in Boston! I look forward to it all year long.”
Rbey Bleu, Road to Wellness Athlete
How did you get involved with the Road to Wellness?
“I got involved during the pandemic and being part of this event has changed my life. After losing a few people close to me I started exercising and taking care of myself better and I am now part of the walking and running community.
“I was following Coach Gael Henville online and saw her posting about the Road to Wellness. We connected and she told me it was a safe place to come, and I should give it a try. Through the event I have met people from all over the world. It’s been a melting pot of life, and it’s encouraged me to do so much more. The community through this event is like no other. I see myself growing by leaps and bounds through the Road to Wellness. It’s larger than life – it inspires, and it keeps you going. I see it as my foundation.
Coach Ivy Taylor said ‘it’s your pace; it’s your race. There is no competition. You are on your own journey’. This community and communication are everything. By meeting all these different people, I am learning about different cultures, food and languages. I am so lucky to have got involved and it’s encouraged me to start learning different languages to communicate with even more people.
How else has this event impacted your life?
“I was able to connect with 261 Fearless through the Road to Wellness and I immediately connected with a new group of women. We are women supporting women and this event is an important point of connection for us all. Mental health and women’s health are so important and being able to move and grow together is so special. It gives us such joy and we encourage each other – not just with exercise but to overcome so many other obstacles.
“Being a part of the Road to Wellness and all the groups I have since connected with – Black Girls RUN, Pioneers Run Crew, TrailblazHers Run Co, Fearless 261 – is so powerful. They all give me such a boost. This is shaping my life, and this is who I am now. It’s the language of peace, love and taking care of oneself.”
Craig Aarons-Martin, Road to Wellness Athlete, CEO of CCM Education Group
How did you first hear about the Road to Wellness?
“I joined the Road to Wellness the moment that Thaddeus Miles shared it on his social media. Being an advocate for mind, body, and spirit connection and wellness, not just for myself, but the community, I felt like it was an incredible opportunity to be among my students, families, and community partners who all desire to be better in our bodies.”
How long have you been part of the event?
“I have participated in the event three times in the last five years.”
What does the event mean to you and the local community?
“I believe that Roxbury smiles and beams at Thaddeus and all the members of the Road to Wellness team who have made this happen. It’s phenomenal that he has been such a brainchild and champion for wellness, bringing people together from across the Commonwealth to support this effort in Roxbury, the heart of Black and Brown liberation who have been the bedrock of Boston for so many years.
“At this event you get the opportunity to walk or run and have fun with friends and family members, dance before the event, and even prepare for participation in events like the B.A.A.’s 5K, 10K, or marathon.”
What future do you see in the future for this event?
“I believe this event will continue for many decades because it's so popular, needed, and necessary for those experiencing health disparities due to environmental conditions. It fosters an ecosystem that thrives on our shared beliefs and advocates for green spaces and healthy offerings in schools, communities, stores, and shops in Roxbury. It’s a beautiful place to be.”
The 10th Anniversary Road to Wellness takes place on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Registration is now open for the 5K run/2 mile walk and the summer training series is underway.
To find out more about the Road to Wellness, The Dimock Center and the other partners behind this event, check out: https://www.roadtowellness5k.com/