Written by: Jillian Richstone

As the sun set over Charlotte on Sunday, May 3, lights danced across the exterior of the NASCAR Hall of Fame while a unique race path glowed on the pavilion out front beneath towering skyscrapers. The electric third annual Hot Laps event was an overwhelming success. Our running community gathered together, along with family and friends, for an exciting, shared experience. No headphones were needed as the music boomed, the fans cheered and waved their complimentary race flags, and the runners picked up speed throughout each heat.

Hot Laps, a free event sponsored by On Running and hosted by Charlotte Running Company, is more than just another race. It’s a unique concept, incorporating relay-style sprints, sharp curves to show off agility, and the opportunity for every runner to even the playing field while wearing the top-rated running shoes from On.

“I love the Charlotte running community. I grew up here and now, as an adult, the Charlotte running community is like my backbone and support,” racer Meg Bathory shared before the race.

Eliana Toro was running Hot Laps for the first time and said she was excited but nervous, recognizing that while it “seems like a short distance, there will be lots of bursts of energy needed.”

While some runners were there for the competition, like Jarren Brown, who’s a member of the Thursday morning sole crew, others were simply looking to get more plugged into our welcoming group.

Ral Monwe said he’d seen the hype videos on Instagram and, since recently moving to the Queen City from New York, he thought participating in Hot Laps was a great way to make connections and get involved.

That community spirit and sense of belonging is exactly our goal for events like these.

“What we, as CRC, can do in the community doesn’t stop at the doors of our stores,” Naim Bell, right-hand man of Dilworth Store Manager Armani McDonald, and also a Hot Laps participant, said of the event. “We are always looking at where we can go organically to increase our outreach, and this event is like our Super Bowl for the year. It really reflects the vision of CRC.”

After check-in and a brief runner’s meeting in the NASCAR theater to explain the rules, go over the course, and remind everyone to have fun and prioritize safety, the crowd headed outside to get ready for the main event.

The talent was extraordinary, and the competition was fierce as feet flew across the track. Some slowed as they approached the tight curves, others leaned in and tried not to stumble, and a select few seemed to have mastered the art of gracefully turning their body backward as they rounded the edges and came out smooth.

The crowd and runners-in-waiting stayed caffeinated and well-fed with aDrink Boobys mobile beverage cart on deck and delicious slices ofInizio Pizza.

Whenever the runners showed signs of slowing down, fans picked up the slack, keeping the energy high and giving racers the boosts they needed. “It’s a sprint, not a marathon,” Armani jokingly reminded the competitors as the heats pressed forward.

But while the competition stayed hot, it was all in good fun, as the atmosphere felt more like a family reunion or a party with close friends.

By the end, young runners were joining the fun, applauded by parents, friends, and neighbors.

“This is how you ignite the human spirit — through movement," Armani shouted over the roars at the finish line as the smallest racers brought it home, reminding everyone of On Running's mission statement.

Even bystanders stopped to take in the excitement and cheer on participants as they passed by the NASCAR Hall of Fame.

“The energy has been amazing,” said Dan Neuman after his race. “I came out hot and was feeling great, but by the third lap, it was getting harder. But then I came around the end turn, and the crowd energy kept me going.”

Dan said this was his first time participating in Hot Laps, and he definitely plans to return next year.

“It was humbling,” Niara Parker said with a chuckle when I asked her how she felt about her performance. “I typically run longer runs and my legs are burning.” But she added that while the race was tough, the atmosphere was electric, especially at the finish line, and she had a great time.

The majority of the runners were sporting the sponsored On shoes, which were available at the check-in desk for participants to trade in their old trainers in exchange for the chance to demo some of the fastest shoes on the market.

Brand ambassadors from Atlanta even made it out, not wanting to miss this epic event. “We saw it as a great opportunity to bring the squad to Charlotte for a weekend getaway,” Tori Hood told me.

Fellow On ambassador and relay teammate Kevin Parkins also added that “the Charlotte running community is just a beautiful thing. Everyone has already been so inviting and welcoming.”

On representative Susan Garcelon gave me the rundown on the three shoes available at the event, all part of what they have deemed their “Lightning Products.”

Cloud Monster 3 Hyper: This lightweight super trainer is part of On’s newest technology. The laceless second skin is a big selling point, and runners remarked on its comfort and stability. Another big win is that it can be manufactured in only three minutes, which, Susan pointed out, lowers the carbon footprint of making the shoe.

Isa Moore, who was part of the winning relay team for the second year in a row, was sporting the Cloud Monster 3 Hyper and said he was very impressed with the bounce and comfort. As for not having to worry about shoe laces, Moore said they felt as secure as a tightly-laced shoe, without the discomfort of feeling like circulation was being restricted. “The shoes really fit like a second skin and kept my feet stable when I cut the corners fast.”

Cloud Monster Hyper:The same shoe, except with high-grip shoelaces, for those who just feel more comfortable lacing up. You still get all the wonderful benefits, maximum cushioning, and stabilizing features.

Cloudboom Volt: From 5Ks to half-marathons, this carbon-plated super shoe is made for speed and short distances, perfect for a high-intensity relay like Hot Laps.

After the runners finished pounding the pavement, caught their breath, and celebrated the winners (congratulations, Team 21!), the party moved inside the NASCAR Hall of Fame, open after-hours just for the CRC community. Large screen displays around the building showcased highlights from past Hot Laps events, and all were welcome to explore the museum and check out the famous cars on display.

Visitors even had the chance to test their motor racing abilities on the track with a simulated race around Atlanta’s EchoPark Speedway. There were negative splits, big crash-outs, and intense rivalry as participants revved their engines and tried to cross the finish line first.

It was, all in all, an incredible night full of friendly competition, PRs, new shoes, dancing, cheering, and just bringing the community of Charlotte together to celebrate movement and make memories.

If you missed out on this epic night and you’re feeling that FOMO (we don’t blame you!), make sure to followCharlotte Running Company andthe sole on Instagram so you don’t miss any of our upcoming events. Also, if you want to try out any of these super speedy On shoes for yourself, swing by any of our four store locations for a fitting and gait analysis. All shoes and apparel are also available on our website.

Remember, everyone is welcome and celebrated at CRC, and we can’t wait to see you at Hot Laps next year!