If you ask people to name sports, they’re likely to give the same answers and list baseball, basketball, football, volleyball, and soccer. Most people overlook other competitive sports like swimming or track-and-field, citing them only as Olympic sports. However, several people felt that they wanted to change the track-and-field stigma and produced Underground Foot Racing.
Underground Foot Racing is a platform that’s looking to establish running as a legitimate sport. It was founded by Jonell Hunter, a former track star who felt that he had some unfinished business with the sport. Back in high school, Hunter was on his way to a bright future in track-and-field. He was the school’s pride when it came to the sport. Such was his athleticism that many colleges and universities heavily recruited him.
Everything seemed set for Hunter. Unfortunately, he got into some legal trouble that forced him to forfeit his scholarship and had him spend time in jail. Hunter would often wonder what could have been and thought about how his life would have been so different if he had never gotten into trouble.
Despite the years that went by, Hunter never lost his passion for racing and running. He wasn’t sure if it was because he didn’t end his career on his terms, but Hunter knew that he wasn’t alone. There were undoubtedly other runners out there who had to pull the plug on their track career due to injuries, unplanned pregnancies, and other reasons. Like Hunter, they too had unfinished business.
Hunter created Underground Foot Racing to provide a platform for people who were overlooked, in need of a second chance, or hoping to get the closure of running tracks. Underground’s mission is to turn running into a year-round sport on par with basketball, baseball, and other sports. They wanted to create a stage for competitors and showcase their skills in a positive environment that uplifts them regardless of what happened in their racing journey.
Underground Foot Racing holds several tournament-style races for people of all ages. They have a knock-out race, which has a 32-man bracket. The knock-out race is simple: people run until there is only one winner. The winner then gets bragging rights and a donation to a cause of his or her choice.
People also have the chance to do one-on-one races. However, Underground Foot Racing made a unique twist. They have three options: Head-to-Head, Watch ‘em Leave, On-the-Whistle, or Big Man Race. The runners get to pick whether they want to give their opponent a head-start or, if they want to showboat, exhibit how fast they are by running ahead. Children below the age of fifteen can also participate in the same categories.
Underground Foot Racing is unique because they are the first to bring such a concept into existence. Hunter is hopeful that in a few short years, Underground Foot Racing will expand its mission beyond the United States to give athletes opportunities and inspire those who never thought they could get a second chance.
For now, they are busy preparing for the first social event to end the year right by providing scholarships and preparing to launch the Underground Foot Racing Athletic Mentorship Program. Their program is designed to provide hands-on training and mentoring for underprivileged and undiscovered athletes. Jonell Hunter and Underground Foot Racing connect young aspiring athletes with working semi-pro and professional athletes. They plan to donate over 3k to three families this holiday season.
To learn more about Underground Foot Racing, you may visit its website.
