For Run for Shelter participant Tyrone Duncan, the problem of homelessness was a very personal one.
He came with friends from the District-based group Back on My Feet, which helps homeless people rebuild their lives through running.
Duncan ran the 10-kilometer race in 46 minutes. Though not the fastest time, he says when he started with Back on My Feet, he could not have run 30 feet.
“I was a drug addict and an alcoholic,” he said.
That was two years ago. Today, Duncan is a different man. He said he is sober and has run two marathons and two half marathons. He is now working at Target Food and he has an apartment.
“I can thank Back on My Feet for helping me realize that you can make that big turnaround,” said Duncan.
He gave Back on My Feet this credit saying the discipline he developed through meeting up for regular 5:30 a.m. runs three times a week helped him get ready for a job.
“It gets you up in the morning and it’s physically and mentally supporting to run,” Tyrone said. Back on My Feet Program Director Amy Vokes said that the program helps build self-esteem and confidence, as well as friendships. Runners think “If I can run 10K, I can definitely get that job,” she said.
“The physical exercise helps, but [Back on My Feet is] also looking at group work and how to be a part of a community,” Vokes said.
Donald Bass, 46, a new member of Back on My Feet, participated in the 1-kilometer
fun run. Like Duncan, Bass has been working to leave behind his addictions through running.
“The old me has had a lot of tragedy and was making bad choices of life,” Bass
said. Running “means a lot because my theme for myself is mind, body and soul. Those are all things I’m working on for the new me.”
Back on My Feet attends about one race a month, but this one meant something special to the group.
“This is a great opportunity to work alongside other homeless service providers, you don’t often get that opportunity in a race setting,” Vokes said. “We are proud of being here and proud of them supporting us.”
Why Did You Show Up For ‘Run For Shelter?’
To read more about Run For Shelter click here.
To read an interview with Run For Shelter participants click here.
