Joe T. Robinson III is the Co-Founder of WeRun313, founded in 2019 and now the largest run club in Michigan and the tri-state area, regularly drawing 350–500 participants to its weekly Tuesday runs. Born and raised in the Motor City, Joe embodies the spirit of Detroit’s resilience and its unwavering commitment to community. WeRun313 has garnered significant national news coverage for its impactful work. With 11 marathons and an ultramarathon in South Africa under his belt, he’s a seasoned athlete passionate about the transformative power of running. Joe recently achieved a remarkable feat by being listed at 131 out of 144 American-born Black male marathoners by the Ted Corbitt Institute for Running History Research to run a sub-3-hour marathon, clocking in at 2:57:16 in August 2024. He has also showcased his global athleticism by conquering marathons in Berlin, London, and Dubai.

Beyond the track, WeRun313 is deeply committed to community initiatives. Their “Pay It Forward Grant” provides annual donations to local Black-owned organizations, while the “Community Scholarship Fund,” partnered with Gazelle Sports, offers shoes, running gear, and race registrations to individuals facing barriers to entry in running. Additionally, their annual community shoe giveaway has distributed over 5,000 pairs of running shoes to the local Detroit community over the past five years.

As a Lululemon ambassador, Joe strives to spread the joy and benefits of running globally, fostering a healthier and more connected world. He believes that running not only enhances physical fitness, but also nurtures spiritual growth and improves mental well-being. Joe is a recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award and the State of Michigan Award of Recognition. He was also featured on the cover of Runner’s World magazine in 2023.