GumboFit is more than a running group. First, as the name implies, GumboFit is about movement of all kinds. With many runners in the mix, the track sessions, community runs, and organized races often get highlighted, but their mission is bolder. Founded to create more space for Black and Brown bodies in fitness and wellness spaces, GumboFit first started by expanding health and wellness programming on Chicago's Southside. But the community's importance runs deeper, exemplified by the fact that there is a 30-year life expectancy gap between Chicago neighborhoods. This speaks to the broader systematic barriers that stifle opportunities for many Black populations. Courtney Phillips & Matthew Manning founded this purpose-driven collective with these barriers on top of mind:
"GumboFit is cultivating a unique community that thoughtfully bridges the worlds of underrepresented populations and the fitness mainstream through a diversity of programming and content curation. GumboFit will prioritize the coalescing of Black and Brown fitness and wellness enthusiasts across Chicago to start, with a particular focus on South and West-side communities. That said, all bodies, identities, and communities are welcome to participate!"
GumboFit is an offshoot and sister company of Gumbo Media, described as "a storytelling platform and content engine that expands the narrative of Black life."
From the namesake high art Gumbo Magazine to their content creation and productions, to their speed sessions on the track with GumboFit, this crew is doing what they can across industries to level the playing field. They're constantly on the go, but you can do your best to keep up in the Magic Horse Marathon Relay. Learn more about how you can run with GumboFit during their weekly sessions here (all are welcome; come as you are!) and register for the Magic Horse Marathon Relay here.
