Meet the founder: How one runner built Charlotte's hottest run club
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Mad Miles marked its sixth anniversary with a week of events, including a community cleanup, block party, and panel discussions. Photo: Mike Cooke
More than 1,000 people now gather weekly at Mad Miles Run Club, which began when founder Cornell Jones committed to running two miles a day.
Why it matters: Mad Miles Run Club has grown into one of Charlotte's largest fitness communities as it celebrates its sixth anniversary this month.
- "Running is really not that fun…but if I can do it with somebody else, and I can share that pain, and I can share the goals, it makes it a whole lot easier," Jones tells Axios.
Context: Jones started Mad Miles to create accountability and show people that running could actually be fun.
- The club now hosts weekly runs in Plaza Midwood on Mondays, Camp North End on Tuesdays and Uptown on Saturdays.
- On good-weather days, crowds can reach 1,200–1,500 runners.
What they're saying: Jones attributes Mad Miles' rapid growth to years of consistency and creating an HBCU "day on the yard" atmosphere with DJs and partnerships that keep the experience free and accessible. In many ways, the club has become a third place.
- "A lot of clubs fizzle out and become a 'that was fun while it lasted' thing," Jones said. "We've done the opposite — every year we grow. You don't have to check Instagram to see if we're running when it's raining or snowing. We're running regardless."
Zoom in: As the club grew, so did the work behind the scenes. Jones launched a paid membership program to help keep the runs free and accessible while giving members a way to support the community.
- Memberships cost $85 for six months or $150 annually and include discounts at Charlotte Running Company, local gyms and restaurants, plus access to special events designed to help members connect.
- "Every Mad Miles run is free, but not cheap," Jones said. "Between water, EMTs in the heat, weekly DJs and the logistics of moving race-sized crowds through city streets, the costs add up."
Zoom out: Mad Miles has expanded beyond running. The club also funds annual scholarships for runners and awarded $3,500 scholarships to two students this year.
What's next: Mad Miles is still working to build out an indoor track for their runs in Charlotte and expects to share more updates in the coming months.
