As the founder of Asian Trail Mix, Samantha Dong is reshaping the narrative around who belongs in the trail running and outdoor community. What started as a simple idea to bring more Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) runners together has evolved into a thriving movement, making trail running more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for all.

As a DJ, Charlie Dark MBE has traveled the world bringing people together on the dance floor. Getting people to find community through movement has always been his passion, whether as founder of the Urban Poets Society, a mentor for Bikestormz, through Bridge the Gap, and certainly with his London-based running group Run Dem Crew. Run Dem Crew was born out of his burnt-out from the music industry, when on Christmas Day 2006, Charlie decided to go for a run. Fast forward to 2024, and Run Dem Crew continues to transform running by encouraging the vulnerable and outsiders to take up space in running. "It's a sport not just for the professionals, elite or fast runners," as he describes it, "but also for those who run marathons in over five hours, because there, that's where you see the will power to and inner strength."

It was a moment 10 years in the making for Black Roses NYC member Danni McNeilly. When she crossed the Chicago Marathon finish line at 2:59:33 in 2023, she became the newest Black American born woman to join a very exclusive list. With her accomplishment, Danni joined Black Roses teammates Sharada Maddox and Erica Stanley-Dottin. On the first episode of season four, Danni shares how long distance running became her passion, her dislike for the Boston marathon, and why running New York City and Chicago marathon courses remain her favorites.