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When Solomon Andrews lost his father in 2019, it was a stark wake-up call regarding the health risks facing Black men. Pushing 250 pounds and feeling isolated after moving to Michigan, Andrews knew he needed a change. His wife spotted a news segment on Black Men Run—an organization founded in 2013 to promote health, brotherhood, and fitness among Black men, which includes TURF (Trail Ultra Running Fanatics) as its dedicated trail-running division. Though Andrews spent two months trying to get in shape on his own just so he wouldn’t “look bad” at his first Detroit chapter meet-up, the group’s “no man left behind” philosophy immediately won him over.
On his first four-mile run, members kept looping back to cheer him on and make sure he finished. That support sparked a huge turnaround, as he dropped nearly 40 pounds, competed in several half marathons, and crossed his first finish line of a full marathon. But as big as those physical wins were, they didn’t compare to the peace of mind he found in the group.
“Everybody goes through something mentally challenging at some point,” Andrews says. “Sometimes on group runs, people go through things, and we just lean on each other and listen. That’s why we’re so strong—we give each other a safe place to talk.”
For Black Men Run and TURF, improving a runner’s speed and stamina is only part of the focus. Creating a strong community, building camaraderie, and prioritizing mental well-being are just as vital as logging the miles.
Mental health has become a primary focus for the organization as Black men face a unique mix of societal and daily pressures. Whether someone is a corporate executive or working a blue-collar gig, Black men usually carry a heavy, silent pressure to prove their worth constantly, says Oscar Camejo, who oversees the TURF trail running initiatives. “You do feel like you have to work twice as hard to prove yourself, and so that brings a lot of pressure, that brings a lot of stress,” he says. “You always feel like you have to be on your A game.”
Public health research led by Duke epidemiologist Dr. Sherman James backs this up. He terms this relentless drive as “high-effort coping with social and economic adversity.” It’s not just mentally exhausting—it takes a real, physical toll over time.
As Black men face physical and mental challenges, they also deal with a deep-rooted expectation that they should simply pull themselves up by their bootstraps and suffer in silence. Breaking through that “tough it out alone” mindset is a huge part of what TURF does every day, says Camejo.
“One thing we try to do is identify any guys operating in isolation,” he explains. “Sometimes guys try to rough it through life. So we try to break down those barriers.” That effort to break down barriers isn’t accidental—the whole structure of TURF is intentionally designed to get men connecting across generations. Local chapters are led by captains who post upcoming group runs for all ages and experience levels. On any given day, runners in their 30s hit the trails right alongside others in their 50s, 60s, or 70s. Gathering everyone into the same pot opens up a mix of life experiences and opportunities where members can naturally lean on and learn from one another. As the TURF members counsel each other and strengthen their relationships, the trails become much more than a training ground—they become a rare sanctuary where men can finally drop that heavy burden, stop performing, and be themselves.
Beyond all the miles logged and sweat poured, TURF is ultimately built to be a safe space where Black men can let their guard down and speak freely. Out on the trails, stripped of daily noise and workplace expectations, the miles have a way of coaxing out real vulnerability. Camejo points out that long runs often turn into unexpected therapy sessions. “Sometimes, in the middle of trail running, we’ll have an impromptu group session where we’re just talking about life and kids or relationships and whatnot,” says Camejo. “So, it becomes a place of safety.”
That feeling of safety doesn’t disappear when the run finishes, either. TURF intentionally sets up additional social gatherings to keep those conversations going off the trail. This can look like a post-run breakfast, NFL Draft party, or holiday gathering, and these low-pressure get-togethers give members a steady, reliable circle where real trust and connection can be built and strengthened over time.
That steady contact turns casual running buddies into extended family who actively look out for one another. The support goes far beyond scheduled workouts or weekend hangouts, as members make a habit of reaching out whenever someone slips off the radar.
“We do check-ins with each other,” Camejo explains. “We’ll send text messages, asking, ‘Hey, how are you doing? I didn’t see you at the group run this Saturday. I hadn’t seen you in a couple weeks. Is everything okay?’ It’s almost like a wellness check.”
The constant support that TURF provides does a lot more than boost morale—it might actually add years to a person’s life. Public health data shows that Black men face one of the shortest life expectancies of any major demographic group in the U.S., largely driven by chronic stress and heart disease.
The outdoor industry has a unique opportunity to play a vital role in improving mental health, especially for Black men, and the momentum is already there. According to Strava’s 2025 Year in Sport Trend Report, participation in running clubs continues to surge. Meanwhile, trail running has established itself as a rapidly growing category, too. With group running recognized as one of the fastest-growing social activities, runners today have more opportunities than ever to step off the pavement, find a local crew, and build lasting connections.
Solomon Andrews knows firsthand how much of a difference that support makes. After suffering the loss of his father, his attempt to regain his footing led to a complete physical turnaround. But the weight loss wasn’t the greatest gift. For Andrews, the real prize was finding a true brotherhood—a place where he could drop his guard and share whatever was troubling him.
Groups like TURF and Black Men Run prove that closing health gaps isn’t just about counting miles or chasing personal records. It’s about building a community where no man has to tackle life by himself. When men stop carrying that weight alone and start supporting each other, the true impact reaches far beyond the trails.
If you’d like to get involved, visit Black Men Run to find a local crew, start a new chapter, or learn more about the organization.
