A large part of what makes the lockdown difficult for many people is the challenge of staying active with gyms at limited capacity and many public exercise programs being cancelled. Facing this challenge, local leaders and fitness enthusiasts Dr. Wes Bellamy, William Jones, and James “Littlez” Dowell created a community in which Charlottesville residents can exercise, while also using the platform to support important causes and raise awareness to issues undercut by the scale of the pandemic. The group goes by “the Prolyfyck Running Crew” and includes over a hundred members from different backgrounds and areas around the city, including one of our History teachers here at CHS, Mr. Deegan. On why he opts to get up so early and run with the crew, Mr. Deegan responded “Knowing that you’re jogging with a supportive group that is going to push you and not judge you gives you that extra nudge out of bed when the alarm goes off. Plus, it’s fun.”
A big part of the Prolyfyck Running Crew’s purpose is to raise awareness for causes and do as much as possible to support those in need around the community of Charlottesville. The group puts on various events to raise awareness such as their “Run with Maud” gathering to bring attention to the murder of Ahmaud Aubrey earlier this year, or their recent “Run for Rick” event for a member’s father who is battling cancer. The group is also sure to run through the underserved neighborhoods and projects of Charlottesville in order to eliminate the fear and stigma associated with the areas.
The main idea of the group is to be healthy. Members don’t have to be in any kind of shape or fitness level, there are paths set up for different athletic abilities, and anybody is welcome, as long as they’re motivated and supportive of others. “We wait for the last person no matter how long it takes. We aren’t focused on time. We are focused on encouraging people to finish, to get better”, said photographer and member of the crew, Derrick Waller. It is because of this inclusion and sense of community, amongst other things, that makes this group so diverse, with members from a multitude of different backgrounds, ethnicities, and communities.
So if you’re interested in participating, the crew runs at 6am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and more information is available on their facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/prolyfyckruncrew/

All visuals courtesy of Derrick J. Waller: https://www.derrickjwaller.com/