When Anthony “Rock” Clary, a former collegiate football player, experienced a pre-diabetic scare in 2014 he started running as a way to manage his mental and physical health. In 2019 Rock realized that the joy he was experiencing running was something that he wanted to share: he enlisted the help of his wife, Tara, a former collegiate Track and Cross Country athlete, and invited members of their Southside Richmond, VA community to join the runs. Rock and Tara realized that sports and running helped them gain confidence and improve their wellness, so they set out to provide the same opportunities to folks in their neighborhood. As a result, We Off The Couch (WOTC), a non-profit that focuses on wellness, body positivity, camaraderie, fitness, and fun, was born.
In light of 2020 social unrest, pandemic shutdowns, and the disproportionate impact COVID was having on people of color, WOTC’s workout attendance was increasingly proving the need for a safe space rooted in movement and running. Now, counting over 500 runners in their Strava group, members of WOTC are participating in weekly runs that cater to various paces and distances. In addition, they are participating in local races where no runner pays for the race entry.
The ultimate aspiration of We Off The Couch is to disrupt the systematic depravities like limited access to fresh food, the lack of education, and safe places to gather that predominantly Black neighborhoods in Richmond have been experiencing for generations. Through their platform, WOTC folks are looking to mobilize their community and create solutions that address those needs.
To support and get involved you can join WOTC runs (every Monday & Wednesday at 5:30 pm or Saturday at 9 am), volunteer your time, or provide financial support.
Follow WOTC on Instagram, Facebook, or Strava.
Hi I’ve started to sign up for your Sept race..however I can’t get back to the page..could you help? My email is elsie511@icloud.com