Fathers and sons stand side by side at the starting line in the Tennessee Riverpark, ready to sweat. The race begins, and off they go-some running, some walking, but all of them in it together.
This is Erskine Oglesby Jr.’s vision for the Father & Son 5k Walk/Run that 100 Black Men of Chattanooga, Inc., of which Oglesby is president, will put on come April 12.
“We want to help build strong relationships between fathers and sons,” Oglesby says. “We want to give them time to talk and get to know each other … fathers don’t always have time to spend with their sons because they are busy with careers.”
It’s no secret that shared experiences deepen relationships, but for Oglesby, there’s something special about them when they happen outdoors.
“Chattanooga is one of the greatest outdoor cities on the planet,” he says. “What better way to enjoy the outdoors than a 5k at the Riverpark?”
While the primary goal of the 5k is to strengthen bonds between sons and their male role models, it is a family event, says Oglesby. Both female and male family members and friends are welcome to encourage family physical activity by attending or participating in the race.
“It’s about trust and understanding and building community,” he says. And with an event like a 5k, Oglesby explains, building community is easy because it’s less about the words spoken than the experience shared. Knowing that your dad, or your foster dad, or your older brother is walking or running or sweating (or all three) right there with you, sometimes, is all you need.
If You Go
Where: Tennessee Riverpark in Chattanooga, Shelter #3
When: April 12 at 9 a.m.
Deadline: Register by March 29 For more information, visit 100bmchatt.org or call 423-821-6700