Episode 21 - James Ro, Co-Founder of the Atlanta Run Club

Grounded with Dinée Dorame

“[My parents] were able to run this race ahead of me and pave the way. I’m able to now pick up the mantle and run my own race, in a sense. I feel such gratitude in being able to trailblaze and set trends for how other people view Asian Americans and people of color… we are able to be creative, and innovative, and lead, and set the path for things.”

James Ro is the co-founder of the Atlanta Run Club (ARC), a trainer and physical therapist, and a Lululemon Ambassador. He is also a newly minted owner of an Atlanta-based boutique fitness studio. James is a natural connector and you’ll hear him talk about the way his Korean American background and culture set the foundation for his work in running/fitness today. Alongside co-founder, Christian Haahs, and Community Director, Bamn Ford, James created the Atlanta Run Club with the mission of uniting all backgrounds and cultures through fitness and running. In this episode, he explains that the club has been a meaningful space for so many Asian and Black runners in the Atlanta area, and they truly see the club as a reflection of themselves and their communities. ARC hosts social events and weekly runs that bring people together to have fun, regardless of pace.

In This Episode:

• Trail Runner Magazine’s Apology Instagram Post – June 15th, 2021
• Grounded Podcast Instagram Post in Response – June 15th, 2021
• Jordan Daniel’s Instagram Post “Dear @trailrunnermag” – June 15th, 2021
• Atlanta Run Club
• Meet James Ro, Lululemon Ambassador
• AJC Peachtree 10k Road Race – Atlanta, GA

Follow James Ro & Atlanta Run Club:

• James Ro – Instagram: @jamesro__
• Atlanta Run Club – Instagram: @atlantarunclub

Follow Grounded Pod:

• Instagram: @groundedpod
• Twitter: @groundedpod
• Facebook: facebook.com/groundedpodwithdinee

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Music by Jacob Shije (Santa Clara Pueblo, NM).

This podcast was made possible through the Tracksmith Fellowship Program.