Hello, everyone! Storm here, co-founder, head coach, and chief chairperson of Hare Bandits.

There’s an undeniable magic in discovering your tribe. What I didn’t expect was that instead of searching for them, I’d simply plant my sneakers in one spot and wait until they found me. That’s the essence of building this incredible community.

Hare Bandits started as one of those wild ideas I tossed into the universe, and to my surprise, my best friend and running partner, Hannah, embraced it wholeheartedly. And just like that, it began to take shape.

Reflecting on my journey, I realized how lonely it felt to run without a team as an adult. My early years were filled with the camaraderie of cross country and track teams—spaces where I found inner peace, acceptance, and a sense of belonging amid life’s challenges. I yearned for that supportive environment again. But as a non-elite runner, I quickly learned that formal teams are a rarity for adults. Sure, people might suggest joining a running club or attending casual meetups, but those just didn’t fill the void. The connection, the commitment, and the shared purpose of a team were missing.

I felt disheartened, like an outsider in Charlotte, wishing for the childhood magic of being part of something greater than myself—a team. So, I presented my idea to Hannah, and she backed me up.

“What if we created a team to run with—not just a club? A place where we could hold each other accountable, support each other’s goals, and wear all green as our team color. We could even come up with a fun logo or mascot. Do you think people would join us?”

We settled on a time we thought people might actually roll out of bed for—Sundays at 10:30 AM (I still can’t believe we ever started that late – now we start at 8 AM!). We crafted a whimsical name inspired by the tortoise and the hare, where in our story, the hare triumphs over the tortoise. With a little branding magic on Canva and a cheeky post on Instagram, we hit “share” and held our breath. To our delight, it resonated, and we received a flood of likes.

When we hosted our first practice, eight people showed up—many of whom were strangers. We weren’t sure how they found us, but it was a thrilling moment. We spent two hours together, warming up, stretching, and discussing running techniques. As our practices continued, we often had just a handful of participants, but we didn’t let that deter us. We were committed to the journey, and we kept showing up. Now, nearly three years later, we proudly boast 51 members, with attendance typically ranging from 20 to 25 participants.

Running saved my life as a child, and I mean that literally. My coach was a pivotal figure during my formative years, and my teammates were my closest friends. Running offered me an escape from a tumultuous reality, one that kept me grounded. As my therapist would remind me, “running kept you safe”—and it truly did.

Today, my relationship with running has evolved. I’m grateful to be in a place where I feel secure, and now, running is more of a joyous getaway rather than an escape from confinement. The community we’ve built brings me immense joy, and despite the responsibilities of leading practices, my time with our team is the highlight of my week. Whether acting silly or reliving the carefree days of high school cross country, it’s a dream come true. 

This community has not only helped me forge lasting friendships in Charlotte—beyond just Hannah—but it has also encouraged me to embrace a more budget-friendly lifestyle. The unfiltered joy and support I experience here are immeasurable, and I am deeply honored to lead such a remarkable group of individuals.

Together, we are more than just runners; we are each other’s support. As we continue this journey, I invite you to join us. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, there’s a place for you among the Hare Bandits. Let’s run this race together!