Ricky Hughes never imagined a world in which he would develop a passion for distance running, which he calls God’s purpose for his life.
He ran track in high school but his interest never drifted toward the longer races. Today, his outlook is driven by the running community he discovered only a few years ago.
Hughes is founder of St. Louis Run Crew, which he describes as the people’s crew – an initiative that aims to provide space for all runners of all stages a place to improve their health and build community. St. Louis Run Crew is open to runners, walkers, and strollers alike. All can be a part of the St. Louis Run Crew, St. Louis Walk Crew, and St. Louis Stroll Crew. “It’s family-friendly,” he said.
The path that Hughes took on his journey with running began at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when he, like most of the world, had to work remotely. He had never been forced to ‘sit still’ and working from home did just that. He finally came face-to-face with his thoughts. “I probably had some type of depression for years, but I’m always on the go,” Hughes said. “You know, just moving.”
Hughes was living what he thought was his best life, hanging out with friends and family not realizing this was his way of coping with his depression. “I felt dark and I had never felt that way before,” Hughes said. At that moment he decided to go for a walk, knowing he needed to get out of the house.
His walk turned into a jog, helping him to power through his depression, but in February 2020 the killing of Ahmaud Aubrey fueled something in him. Riddled with hurt and anger on top of his depression, Hughes broke down and cried. That same day, without reason, he bought an Apple Watch to track his distance while running.
“Running has changed my life in so many ways.”
“That day I really ran for the first time,” Hughes said. He felt like he needed to complete the run Aubrey didn’t. “I felt responsible for running for him.” Hughes later found out that Aubrey ran for his mental health just like him.
Hughes credits running with improving his mental, physical, and emotional health. He feels more present for himself and his family. He started to venture out and join other run crews but didn’t feel the connection of community he was looking for. An unpleasant experience left him feeling horrible and alone.
An October 2022 trip to Detroit for his first half marathon exposed him to the diversity that represents the running community he wanted. He started St. Louis Run Crew in January 2023.
Unfortunately, others weren’t so quick to respond to his enthusiasm. No one showed up at his first running meet-up he posted on social media inviting runners to join him. But that didn’t discourage Hughes.
The multi-media content creator decided to put those skills to use. He got out his GoPro, a camera great for capturing sports activities, and began recording and sharing his running adventures. After one week of recording and posting, one person showed up and now Hughes says up to 400 people have participated in his runs.
“I feel more present than I’ve ever felt in my life,” Hughes said.
St. Louis Run Crew offers yoga, strength training, and hiking. Hughes said he hopes more St. Louisans will find something healthy to enjoy during those tough times.
He has partnered with local organizations like Gateway Arch Parks Foundation, Great Rivers Greenway, and Go St. Louis!, but he wants to partner with more. He plans to soon partner with schools to get youth involved, and he proudly shared with the St. Louis American that St. Louis Run Crew is an official 501C3 non-profit.
“Running has changed my life in so many ways. God really showed me my purpose in life,” said Hughes.
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.