Growing up in Blackwell on South Side, Anthony Clary rarely saw Black people running or exercising. Now, as founder of WeOffTheCouch, he’s working to change that reality. Through his community-based running and fitness group, Clary is tackling health disparities in marginalized communities like the one where he was raised. 

WeOffTheCouch does exactly what its name suggests: gets people off the couch and moving. The group fosters wellness, body positivity, camaraderie and fun — building a sense of belonging with every run. 

“My goal is to be able to run in and through certain neighborhoods so people can see Black people running,” Clary said. “I want everyone to know about the joys of moving around outdoors.” 

Clary knows firsthand the benefits of exercise for overall well-being. Overweight and diagnosed as pre-diabetic in 2015, he began running with his former college football teammate to lose weight. Soon, there were five runners, then seven, and the number exploded to hundreds during the pandemic, when people sought outdoor social activities. Clary was over 100 pounds lighter and much healthier by then. 

According to the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Black adults in the state face the highest rates of asthma, chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes, hypertension and stroke. These disparities highlight an urgent need for targeted public health interventions in Richmond, including healthy living resources to combat obesity — a root cause of many of these conditions. 

“At WeOffTheCouch, we’re not just a running and fitness group, we’re a community,” Clary said. “We run, we walk, and we move together. Togetherness is everything, and being able to move together is how we can accomplish a lot. I want people to just walk out of their doors when they see us running through their neighborhoods and join us.” 

As a social worker, Clary works to secure housing for medically vulnerable people at risk of dying on the streets. On weekends, he counsels underprivileged youth. He brings that same dedication to empowering people to WeOffTheCouch. 

“We’re about personal growth and empowerment,” Clary said. “We volunteer at homeless shelters. We designate people to pick up trash while we run, so we can leave communities better than we found them, and we work with kids and their families to heal the generational trauma in our communities.” 

That kind of community intervention helped Clary in his teenage years, when his brother was shot and killed during a robbery. Mentors helped him find a way out of depression by continuing to show up for him, even when he didn’t want them to. They helped him with college applications and ignited the love of making music that he now enjoys as a balance in his busy life. 

“If it wasn’t for them, life would be drastically different for me,” Clary said. “At WeOffTheCouch, I see people’s lives changing, too.” 

Where were you born? 

Plainfield, New Jersey. I moved to Richmond soon after I was born. 

Where do you live? 

South Side. 

What’s your educational background? 

I graduated from St. Paul’s College with a bachelor’s in political science. I have a graduate University in marriage and family counseling. 

Tell us about your family. 

I have a 16-year-old daughter, twin 13-year-old boys and a 10-year-old daughter. 

What is WeOffTheCouch? 

We are a community-based running and fitness community that encourages people of all ages and fitness levels to participate. We’re a nonprofit organization working to enhance well-being through our three-pillar approach: to connect marginalized communities, forging bonds that build trust and belonging; to contribute to creating safe and inclusive environments and actively strengthen the communities we serve; and to help our participants conquer fears, overcome access barriers and build confidence. 

What is WeOffTheCouch’s mission? 

Barriers to access are real. Therefore, part of our mission is to raise funds for race entries and the cost of running shoes on a quarterly basis. We provide marathon training at no cost and more. Everyone should have the ability to run, regardless of their circumstances. Now, our mission has expanded to include personal and community empowerment. 

Why did you create WeOffTheCouch? 

I founded WeOffTheCouch because I saw the benefits of running and could see how it could benefit others. Running can be expensive, though. A lot of people can’t afford good running shoes, which start at $160, so we help those who can’t afford running-related expenses. 

How many runners are in WeOffTheCouch? 

We have 1,700 members now. 

Where does WeOffTheCouch run? 

We start at Blackwell Elementary School, but we run in different parts of the city. On Mondays, we have WomenOffTheCouch, a three-mile run, trot or walk that starts at 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays are co-ed, with two- and five-mile options available, also beginning at 5:30 p.m. On Saturdays, we do the same as Wednesdays, starting at 8 a.m. in the summer and 9 a.m. in the winter. 

What other programs do you offer? 

We offer financial support. Race entries start at $75 and increase from there, making it cost-prohibitive. It’s hard for people who are living paycheck to paycheck. We don’t think anyone should not have access to movement and exercise. 

We have KidsOffTheCouch, a two- or three-mile run, on Tuesdays at 3:20 p.m. at Fairfield Court Elementary. We started OffTheCouch Cares, where we offer a lot of community-based support, including volunteering at CARITAS. We meet people where they are and find ways to help them. 

How can people get involved with WeOffTheCouch? 

Just show up. You can find us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. You can send us an email through our website. Also, we use the HALO app to provide updates and information. 

Share some examples of how WeOffTheCouch makes a difference. 

At the Run Richmond 16.19 Race, I saw parents watching their kids cross the finish line, and I got choked up. Parents get involved because the kids are involved. They start running and walking, too. I’ve seen smokers who’ve joined us and quit smoking, and I’ve seen diabetics come off their medications. 

What is your vision for WeOffTheCouch? 

I want to take the program and hit copy and paste into other neighborhoods around the country. I want to go to Newport News next. 

What are the biggest challenges facing WeOffTheCouch? 

Funding. Black nonprofits are severely underfunded. There are numerous systemic issues within Black nonprofits. If you don’t have the funding, you can’t serve the needs you’re trying to meet. Leaders burn out at around five years. If I didn’t have the team that I have, I wouldn’t be able to do any of this. 

How is WeOffTheCouch funded? 

Partnerships and donations. I’m grateful for our partners. 

Who are some of your partners? 

Our partners have provided race entries, shoes, apparel and other items to help support our mission. Brooks, Relay, Pacers Running, NASCAR, Outdoors for All, HCA VA, J&A Racing, the Djimon Hounsou Foundation, the Boston Marathon, Sports Backers, Richmond Road Runners Club and Evo Sports Collective. 

What kind of gear do you recommend for running? 

Good running shoes. Go to a running store and have them test your run gait to get the right shoes. Also, get the proper clothing. 

Are there volunteer opportunities? 

Absolutely, we need volunteers for our marathon training team, and we always need help with the hydration. We also need help with events. 

Do you have any upcoming events? 

We are participating in the Richmond Marathon on Nov. 15. 

How do you start the day? 

I start the day by praying and meditating and thanking God for another breath. I help my kids prepare for a successful day and get them out the door for school. 

Who is your dream dinner party guest? 

Barack Obama. 

What is a quote that inspires you? 

“True success isn’t measured by the value that you add to yourself, but by the value you add to others around your community.” 

What is a book that has influenced you? 

“Cry Like a Man: Fighting for Freedom from Emotional Incarceration,” by Jason Wilson. 

What do you listen to when you run? 

Lecrae, 2Pac and 1980s-’90s R&B. 

What are you currently reading? 

“The Way of the Superior Man,” by David Deida. 

What’s next? 

I’d like to see us have a brick-and-mortar location in South Side.