Community Over Everything
GumboFit
How a Chicago entrepreneur and community builder blazed a new path in fitness that puts community at the center.
Courtney Phillips didn’t set out to shift the culture of running. Coming to Chicago from Minneapolis in 2015, Courtney knew no one. But her fitness journey was a constant. An outlet and a refuge.
“I’ve been on my personal fitness journey for as long as I can remember—learning to accept my body, to feel strong and confident as a Black woman.”
Courtney Phillips
Founder of GumboFit
Getting miles in was a way to gain strength, physical and mental. The quiet, mid-run meditations at Lake Michigan brought peace. The old homes she ran past in storied neighborhoods illuminated Chicago’s rich history.
In 2019, Courtney began to dream bigger. She signed up for the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, the ultimate test. What Courtney couldn’t see yet were the doors she’d soon bust down for herself and others, becoming one of Chicago’s fitness leaders.
"Sometimes in life it feels like there’s these barriers that you just can’t get over or through. But running feels like a big metaphor for life. Take one step at a time. Pace yourself, you know? Life is a marathon.”
Courtney Phillips
Founder of GumboFit
Lace Up
Courtney’s marathon was only the beginning of her journey. She understood that running could be an energy source for others too. Courtney desired to see Black and Brown people take more space and have greater visibility in Chicago’s fitness culture. She wanted what we all want: a community connected to passion. And GumboFit was born.
"The commitment that’s necessary to train for a race, the commitment to be part of a run club, the commitment to show up. That is something I really love to exemplify.”
Courtney Phillips
Founder of GumboFit
Now a community of hundreds, as well as a leadership team of experienced captains and fitness professionals (including co-captains Candace, Kelcey, Maya, Mike, Picasso, and Mama K), GumboFit is laying a new blueprint for building intentional community in sport.
“I had to own the fact that it’s okay if I don’t know as much about running as others. We need more diversity and to see other people, especially young people, coming out to commit to their health and wellness and not be intimidated out of it.”
Courtney Phillips
Founder of GumboFit
Commitment to Community
For Courtney, looking back now, it hasn’t always been easy. But it’s always been simple.
"I really just tried to do what I know how, which is gathering community and creating spaces where people can see themselves reflected.”
Courtney Phillips
Founder of GumboFit
Courtney’s dreams are audacious, and her vision ever-expanding—but her commitment to the community is a critical reminder that if we prioritize our people, the rest will take care of itself.
Because people and purpose build community, and communities mobilize movements.
The Sweat Bond
What began as a community of runners became a family. What started in the spirit of health and wellness became a source for radical self-transformation of mind, body, and spirit. This is what GumboFit calls “the sweat bond.”
They welcome and embrace all, but at its core, GumboFit is uncompromising about the representation and amplification of Black and Brown runners.
GumboFit is one of those magical spaces where passion meets purpose.
Where they eat miles for breakfast.
Where fits and kicks are worthy of flicks.
Where the most extraordinary accomplishments are just on the other side of pain or fear.
Where they reject “limits” and fundamentally reimagine what’s possible.
"It’s crucial for the Black community to show their authentic self in public spaces. When you’re with a community, you feel more confident because you have people around you who understand you.”
Courtney Phillips
Founder of GumboFit
Words: Matthew Manning
Photography/Film: Joshua Kissi
Music: Sango
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