Trailblazers: Transforming Albany's Running Community with Cap City Runners Ep. 183
Discover how three trailblazing individuals are reshaping the running community in Albany, New York, as we chat with the dynamic co-founders of Cap City Runners—Dr. Don Applyrs, Angelo Maddox Jr., and Markael Brace (Kaelz). Hear Dr. Don’s inspiring account of how running brought balance and resilience during his doctoral journey, while Angelo shares touching stories of his father's enduring influence on his passion for the sport. Markael, a dedicated public servant, reveals how running became a cornerstone of his commitment to health and community well-being. Together, they’re cultivating an inclusive space that not only welcomes runners of all backgrounds but also challenges prevailing misconceptions about who belongs in the world of running.
Don Applyrs Dr. Don Applyrs, commonly known as “Dr. Don” is an educational leader by day who has dedicated his service to supporting students and families in K-12 urban public education. Dr. Applyrs is currently the Senior Director of Strategic Engagement at NAF, a national non-profit organization that transforms the high school experience to prepare students for college, career, and future success. He is a proud native of Brooklyn, NY, and an even prouder resident of the city of Albany where he lives with his wife, Mayoral candidate, Dr. Dorcey Applyrs, and their two daughters, Noble and Nile. Don is also the Founder and CEO of Cap City Runners, a new running club in the Capital Region that is making a big splash in the running community.
Markael Brace, better known as Kaelz, is one of the co-founders of Cap City Runners. He is a proud Albany native growing up in the Arbor Hill neighborhood. He believes it has shaped him in so many ways. Growing up he played basketball at Albany High School, Hudson Valley Community College and eventually, North Carolina Central University, a Historically Black College and University. It was through basketball that he developed many life skills that he applies every day in his public service career. Markael lives out his strong faith daily as a father of one, bonus father of two, and engaged to his Fiancé. In his past life, Basketball was everything. Today, it’s running with Cap City Runners where it’s both therapeutic and joyful.
Angelo Maddox Jr., Co-Founder of Cap City Runners, is an entrepreneur, author, community leader, and most importantly, a proud father of three. He is a native of Brooklyn, NY, but Albany has been home for over 20 years. He is the owner of Fresh & Fly Clothing, the premier urban retail store in the Capital Region. The store’s slogan is “where we don’t create SWAG, we Enhance it!” Angelo is a former boxer who has competed both locally and nationally. Since his childhood days, he has always enjoyed leisurely running. However, when Don sent out a message about meeting up to run, he showed up and the rest is history. One of the best things that he loves about being a Cap City Runner is their commitment to running in the community to inspire the community to run.
CONNECT WITH CAP CITY RUNNERS
WEBSITE
INSTAGRAM
FACEBOOK
If you like this episode, please be sure to subscribe everywhere you listen to podcasts!
FOLLOW ME on INSTAGRAM
Check out the WEBSITE
Help support this podcast by buying me a cup of coffee. I need it to stay awake editing!
<div id="buzzsprout-player-16085633"></div><script src="https://www.buzzsprout.com/1017883/episodes/16085633-trailblazers-transforming-albany-s-running-community-with-cap-city-runners-ep-183.js?container_id=buzzsprout-player-16085633&player=small" type="text/javascript" charset="utf-8"></script>