About
The Collective
The idea started as a name to put on a sweatshirt and turned into a community. Southern Running Collective isn’t quite a group run, but rather a supportive community that aims to:
Encourage middle and back of the pack runners and walkers to experience the joys (and challenges) of running, especially longer distances, through professionally guided race training cohorts
Highlight the amazing organizations and providers who support and treat our members with respect and dignity
Connect runners throughout the Metro Atlanta area to run clubs and races that embrace slower runners and/or walkers
Mission
Expand the running community by creating spaces where every middle and back of the pack runner feels supported and empowered through inclusive coaching built on connection rather than comparison
Vision
Transform the running culture into one where anyone who wants to be a runner gains the confidence and support to pursue that goal, regardless of pace, body type, or experience
The Founder
Coach Danielle grew up without an athletic bone in her body and despised running the mile in gym class.
However, she started running in 2012 after being talked into her first 5K race, and she immediately fell in love with the energy of the crowd and the feeling of crossing the finish line.
Since then, she has 230+ races under her belt, from 1500m to the marathon, and everything from first place age group awards to DFL (dead freakin last). The friends and memories she’s made along the way are what make her so passionate about running. That, combined with almost getting lost at the first group run she ever attended because she was the slowest one at her peak 11:00/mi average pace and not wanting others to have the same experience.
Danielle believes that everyone belongs in this sport, especially those who may take a little longer to cover the distance. She also believes that you don’t need to change or shrink your body to fit an image of what a “traditional” runner looks like. In addition to being a non-diet Registered Dietitian, Danielle is an RRCA certified running coach, Atlanta Track Club member and former ambassador, and Savannah Southern Half Marathon & 5K former ambassador. She’s incredibly excited to be a liaison between slower runners and the running community at large.
Bucket list race:
Bay to Breakers 12K
Favorite race:
PNC Atlanta 10 Miler
Best season to run:
Fall
Must-have long run accessory:
Hydration vest