What insights has Hellah Sidibe gained from his experience as a Black man running solo across the United States, and how has that shaped his perspective on passing joy to others through his profession?
Since May 15, 2017, Hellah Sidibe has maintained an impressive running streak, braving the elements and any physical discomfort every single day—over 2,700 consecutive days. His infectious joy shines through in the videos he shares on Instagram and YouTube, often beginning with his trademark greeting: “What’s up, my beautiful people?”
However, before 2017, running held a different meaning for Sidibe. He associated it with punishment from his days playing professional soccer in Mali, where he grew up. After moving to the U.S. and facing obstacles due to his lack of citizenship—something he has since overcome—he found himself at a crossroads. “I reached a point of frustration in life where I was unsure of my next steps because my soccer aspirations weren’t materializing, and I struggled to find a job,” he reflects, acknowledging signs of depression during that period.
With an urge to regain control of his life, Sidibe decided to confront something he found intimidating—running. He initially committed to running for just ten minutes a day for two weeks, but that brief start ignited a passion. “I felt so happy doing it,” he recalls. “For those ten minutes, I was in control—no coaches yelling, just me deciding when to stop.” Running helped him rediscover a sense of wholeness.
Growing up in Mali, Sidibe experienced happiness amidst the challenges of living in one of the world’s poorest nations. “People there tend to see the glass as half full, but I started to lose that perspective when I came to the U.S.,” he shares. Running became a pathway back to his true self.
In 2021, Sidibe took on the monumental challenge of running across the U.S. to raise $50,000 for Soles4Souls, an organization providing shoes to children in need. Completing this 3,061-mile journey over 84 days, he made history as the first Black man to solo-run across the country.
But his journey was not without challenges. While running as a Black individual, he experienced numerous encounters with law enforcement, as people’s preconceived notions about runners often cloud their judgment. During a memorable moment in Boston, another Black man approached Sidibe, sharing that seeing him run gave him the confidence to lace up his own shoes. “He was emotional and shared his struggles,” Sidibe recounts. “He expressed fear about running in his own neighborhood, worried that others might wrongly assume he was fleeing something.”
Sidibe aims to challenge the stereotypes surrounding running. “We often say running is accessible—just need a pair of shoes—yet there’s more to it than that,” he states.
Most of his miles have been logged on roads, whether during his cross-country journey or near his home in New Jersey, where he’s also completed four marathons. However, he discovered a unique joy in trail running, where the varied terrain reignited a sense of childhood playfulness. “Running and jumping in the woods makes me feel like a kid again,” he expresses, noting the childlike sounds he makes during these runs.
During his coast-to-coast trek, someone recommended the 100-mile Leadville Trail race, which he completed in 2022, followed by the Western States 100 in 2023. Tackling these ultramarathon challenges akin to a mental chess game with himself, Sidibe is now focused on the upcoming Javelina Jundred 100-miler. “I want to push myself harder than ever, aiming for a significant personal record—no small milestones, but hours off my time,” he asserts, supported by sponsors like Hoka and Bare Performance Nutrition.
Sidibe treasures the camaraderie in the trail running community, noting that mutual support often outweighs competition, unlike some road races. However, he’s also aware of the underrepresentation of people of color at these events. Reflecting on his experience at Leadville, he says, “I didn’t see another Black person on the course.”
He hopes his visibility at these events can inspire others of color to see a place for themselves in the sport. Yet, he acknowledges the barriers many face in accessing trails. “People often tell me they’d love to run trails, but aren’t sure where to go or if they would be welcomed,” Sidibe notes, highlighting the significant costs associated with race entries, lodging, and transportation that can alienate many potential runners.
To foster inclusivity within the trail running community, Sidibe dreams of creating a program that covers race fees and travel expenses for runners of color, providing them shoes, gear, and the opportunity to participate in trail races.
He is also committed to making running accessible in another way, volunteering as a guide for a blind runner through Achilles International. Together, they successfully completed a sub-four-hour marathon, showcasing the power of collaboration in overcoming hurdles.
Through his relentless running streak, Sidibe has uncovered two core truths: “I’m much stronger than I think I am,” and “There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.” He reflects on the ups and downs of his cross-country run, understanding that even on the most difficult days, another chance will come tomorrow.
Sidibe firmly believes in his capacity to overcome challenges, rarely dwelling on the difficulties of running daily. However, he faces the unique obstacles of maintaining his streak while traveling, such as running during long layovers, and managing the pain of injuries that can detract from the joy of movement.
As for when he might stop his running streak, he remains uncertain. “I give myself permission to stop whenever I choose. The day I wake up hating running, that’s when I’ll stop,” he reveals. He’s pondered if that day would be sad for him but concludes, “I don’t think so, because running has enriched my life in countless ways.”
