"One Step at a Time:A Journey of Community Empowerment Through Fitness and Advocacy

When it comes to community awareness and support, Darryl Murphy, affectionately known as "Stretch," stands out. He has dedicated himself to promoting health and wellness in his community through fitness initiatives. Known for his astounding running streak of over 1,700 consecutive days of at least 5K, Stretch also serves as the leading community coach for The Nike Well Collective.

Darryl’s grassroots initiative, "Miles for Justice," encourages participants to run a 5K each day to advocate for equitable communities through education and athletics. We had the privilege of interviewing him, and his passion for community connection and positive impact has truly shown through.

GROUNDTENPRO: "What is your definition of leadership?"

STRETCH: "Doing what is necessary. Being the example. Walking the walk and talking the talk."

GROUNDTENPRO: "Why did you start your running journey and how did it lead you to help others in the space?"

STRETCH: "You can say it was ingrained in me since birth. As a kid, I loved running around the building. I grew up watching my sister at track meets. Then, in my teens and 20s, I really disliked running. I regained this passion for running in 2020, and it’s lit a fire under me ever since. Now I know how running can transform you physically, mentally, spiritually, emotionally, and environmentally, so how can I not want to share those benefits with others.

I started my running journey because it gave me the freedom that I was missing. It gave me an outlet to spread my wings and connect with Mother Nature in the great outdoors

I wanted to share that feeling with others. I know so many people are dealing with sadness, depression, disappointment and running can be an antidote to all that negativity and bring a sense of accomplishment into your life ."

G: "With being engaged in your community, where did your passion for helping people come from?"

S: "I grew up in such a loving family and loving community. I saw many examples of adults that were doing for others and serving their people in one way or another, and for a long time in my life, I felt so alone and isolated. Running is transformational for the individual, and it is a unifier for the collective. If I have this information and experience that can change lives, how could I not want to engage others on it. It’s how I was raised. I saw people serve the community and bring opportunities during my youth and upbringing. It was always ingrained that it was bigger than me. If you not doing good in the world then what are you doing. Being a student of history and observing my community, I always admired and revered the folks that were leading and making stuff happen."

G: "What are some challenges you face when it comes to community development?"

S: "Challenges are numerous, but there are so many resources today you can always envision a path forward. Raising money is always tough but if people see the value and impact, they will donate. Doing the work and simultaneously capturing the work being done is challenging. You need the capture to invigorate the people and spread the news of the work so more people want to take part. And then finding spaces where the development can occur. 

GROUNDTENPRO: "How important is collaboration in your space, and what are some ways you go about building those relationships with others?"

DARYL: "5 years back into this run game, and I’ve been able to work with so many great collaborators. Early on, when I hit 100 days collabing with Hoka, then getting a runners world article on Day 365 along with a Strava Feature, then, becoming the founding Nike Run coach in Columbus, Ohio, now partnering with Columbus City Schools, Brook, fleet feet to get more folks in the city moving. 

• Connecting with so many run influencers on joint projects like 2 black runners podcast, tommie runz fireside chat, and Hellah good really inspired me to lock in on this whole run streak journey.

• Reaching out to local partners to provide resources for my community like free stretches, messages, dinners, demo runs, race entries, gear, and raffle prizes.

• So all that to say, collaboration is the key to success and sustainability. I want and need more collaboration. So I am always looking to connect with others pushing positive initiatives and activities."

GROUNDTENPRO: "What are your other passions/creative outlets?"

DARYL: "Spoken word is something I really enjoy and need to tap back into. 

• sports, and right now, snowboarding is top of the list

• I enjoy making and editing video content as well, and I need to set up a system to do that more often and efficiently."

GROUNDTENPRO. "Where do you see your leadership in the running community taking you in the next 5 - 10 years?"

STRETCH: "To the very top of the mountain."