WHY I RUN
Denise Stephenson
After Denise discovered running, she co-created the Emancipated Run Crew, to provide black and brown runners a safe environment in which to celebrate movement
How did you get into running?
I started running when I was in my early 20s. I was always into fitness and exercise and once trudged through a snowstorm to get to my step aerobics class. I wasn’t going to miss it! I had started speed walking and one day had gone out so far that I was running late to get back home. So, I started running and 30 seconds later I thought I was going to die. I couldn’t catch my breath. I managed to get home, and it ignited a spark in me. I signed up for the Race for Life 5K that year. From there, I progressed up to marathon distance.