Eight Six Go - Hartford’s Inclusive and Supportive Running Community
Celebrating Global Running Day with Eight Six Go and Cafeteria Radio
Image Credits: Shawn Cai, @shawno.ocai
I think I speak for a lot of people when I say, I’m not the biggest fan of running. Maybe it’s the physical exertion, maybe it’s the seemingly pointlessness of it, or maybe it’s the fact that I got cut from the soccer team in high school and was told that I was kind of fast and maybe I should run cross country instead, which I begrudgingly did for three years and ever since then I always had a chip on my shoulder and am totally over it and definitely not still salty about the fact that I was not good enough at soccer so I would never be able to live up to my elementary school yearbook aspirations of becoming a professional soccer player and a geologist. Or maybe it’s just because I am lazy, and it’s just always been easy and fashionable to hate on running.
But post pandemic, with all of these hip and jive running clubs popping up everywhere, it’s now officially fashionable to like running, to my mild dismay. But, after attending Hartford’s very own running club Eight Six Go’s weekly runs a few times, I gotta say, I can see why the concept has taken off the way it has. Turncoat I may be when I say this, but the Hartford based club has successfully brought life to the downtown area, and has done an incredible job of crafting a welcoming environment and community for all. Definitely applause worthy.
Eight Six Go Co-Founder Renae James giving a pep talk before the run
Wednesday, June 5, was Global Running Day, a worldwide celebration of running that encourages people of all ages and abilities to get moving. “This day plays an important role, reminding us of the positives that running can offer to our physical and mental health and the power of unification”, as the official Global Running Day mission states.
Hartford’s celebration of the day came in the form of a group run, followed by a block party, complete with music by DJ 3K, dancing, and giveaways from partners and sponsors. The list of supporters included Red Rock Tavern, Fleet Feet, Urban Lodge Brewing, Vaughn’s Irish Public House, Sunberry Restaurant & Bar, and Brooks. The special running event, hosted by Hartford’s running group Eight Six Go, with music partner Cafeteria Radio, drew a large crowd. Over 200 runners gathered on Pratt Street on Wednesday, June 5th for the occasion. As a first hand experiencer of the event and as a casual enjoyer of running, I can confidently say that the event was a big success. People getting active, smiling faces everywhere, prizes to be won, friendships to be made - the event signaled the start of a new and beloved yearly tradition for downtown Hartford.
DJ 3K bringing the vibes to Pratt Street
Eight Six Go, Hartford’s very own running group, has seen tremendous growth since its inception two years ago. Led by founders Malcolm Little and Renae James, the running club serves not only as a way for people to get outside and get active, but also as an inclusive community where residents of the Greater Hartford area can get involved and meet new people. Whether you are a veteran runner, a returning road warrior, a marathon aspirant, a cardio enthusiast, or just interested in the community, you will be welcomed with open arms by the hundreds of others attending the runs every week.
Co-Founders of Eight Six Go Renae James (left) and Malcolm Little (right)
Eight Six Go meets every Tuesday at 6PM in Bushnell Park, and features a two mile run or one mile walk, followed by a free dinner at Red Rock Tavern on Capitol Avenue. Yes, you read that correctly, free. This swanky partnership between the restaurant and the running group started like all inspired partnerships do, accidentally and serendipitously. Chelsey Macini, an avid runner, and whose family owns Red Rock, struck up a conversation with the run club founders after their workout, and they immediately hit it off. Mancini was excited about the mission of the club, and was impressed and inspired by the sense of camaraderie. As she states, “The relationship for me has evolved in many ways beyond the scope of just providing the group with a free dinner, it has fostered a strong, healthy community, and connected so many different people with one another”.
Runners meeting on Pratt Street before the Global Running Day run
In the midst of all the festivities, I was also able to catch co-founder Malcolm Little. When asked about his favorite part and most rewarding aspect of Eight Six Go, he claimed it’s the experience of watching people evolve. “It’s been incredible to see everyone’s journey with health and wellness. Seeing people bring their kids, spouses, friends to the club after attending the run a few times … and go from never running before to now running 5Ks. [Eight Six Go] is a reason for people to get out, and get together”, as Little summarizes. The goal of the running club is to help people discover sustainable ways of running and getting active. Eight Six Go is set up like a social club with a mission to help form habits that make staying fit and meeting friends easy. It has certainly accomplished this objective, as I witness many new friendships being formed both during the run and at the dinner after. The relaxed and inclusive nature of the sport is truly a great facilitator of positive interactions.
On top of this weekly Tuesday meeting, smaller running groups also meet throughout the week and on weekends, as well as for other special outings and races. So be it training for a marathon, aspiring to reach a fitness goal, or if you just can’t get enough of the community, there’s surely a group for you. Members communicate via the Heylo app, so make sure to check that out on the Eight Six Go website.
But yeah, all in all, running is cool, Eight Six Go is cool, Hartford is cool. Come on a run with us some time, we’ll welcome you with open arms, a sweaty hug, and a free dinner courtesy of Red Rock Tavern.
See you on a Tuesday, hopefully very soon :)
Cafeteria Radio: @cafeteria_media
DJ 3K: @l3k___an
Eight Six Go: @eightsixgo
Story, Photos: @shawno.ocai
