Fan Favorite: The Legacy of South Fulton Running Partners and the YMCA
Wed Jan 28 2026
Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to this running community.
IN THIS EPISODE:
03:42 Monte' shares how he began his journey at the Y
06:21 Why Monte' joined the South Fulton Running Partners and its legacy
11:05 How the Y has played a supporting role to the Partners and the community and the Y's contribution to wellness
18:37 Why the Y is unique to community wellness
20:24 Advice to anyone interested in joining the Running Partners and what to expect
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
Running offers more than physical fitness—it fosters lifelong health, builds discipline, and creates a supportive community. By embracing running, individuals can defy age-related health declines, find mentorship, and discover the "fountain of youth" through sweat, commitment, and connection
The South Fulton Running Partners is a community of role models who embody service, mentorship, and giving back. Leaders like Bob Holmes and William and Lou Stanley showcase the impact of discipline and community, offering life-changing mentorship and inspiring purpose and integrity
The YMCA in Atlanta is more than a gym—it's a pillar of holistic community building, nurturing physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. The running partners have exemplified this ethos for over four decades, forming a family bound by shared values. The Y teaches fitness, fosters lifelong relationships, and supports members through every stage of life. It's a place to grow, thrive, and find a true community
RESOURCE LINKS:
Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta
Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta
Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta
Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta
BIOGRAPHY: Monte' Fowler
Monte' Fowler is a long-standing Y and South Fulton Running Partners member and a seasoned professional with 23+ years in product management, technology, and consulting. As a Product Manager at Cox Communications, he oversees a $300M+ product portfolio and has launched innovative tools, earning the 2021 Synergy Award and multiple PIL awards.
Dedicated to community service, Monte' has served on boards for Cascade Elementary, Beecher Hills Elementary, the Center for Working Families, and the YMCA. He has also directed the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia's largest fundraiser.
Monte' holds an Executive MBA from Georgia Tech, a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and certifications in AI and Lean Six Sigma. His expertise in technology and passion for service make him an outstanding podcast guest.
More
Today on (Y) Connect, we're thrilled to highlight the story of a community rooted in strength, endurance, and an unwavering commitment to health and wellness. Joining us is Monte Fowler, a veteran member of the South Fulton Running Partners—the nation's oldest Black recreation running group. For decades, this remarkable group has shared a deep connection with the Andrew & Walter Young Family YMCA, fostering a space where individuals unite to run and uplift one another. Monte brings a unique perspective as someone who grew up at the Y served on the YMCA board, and has dedicated years to this running community. IN THIS EPISODE: 03:42 Monte' shares how he began his journey at the Y 06:21 Why Monte' joined the South Fulton Running Partners and its legacy 11:05 How the Y has played a supporting role to the Partners and the community and the Y's contribution to wellness 18:37 Why the Y is unique to community wellness 20:24 Advice to anyone interested in joining the Running Partners and what to expect KEY TAKEAWAYS: Running offers more than physical fitness—it fosters lifelong health, builds discipline, and creates a supportive community. By embracing running, individuals can defy age-related health declines, find mentorship, and discover the "fountain of youth" through sweat, commitment, and connection The South Fulton Running Partners is a community of role models who embody service, mentorship, and giving back. Leaders like Bob Holmes and William and Lou Stanley showcase the impact of discipline and community, offering life-changing mentorship and inspiring purpose and integrity The YMCA in Atlanta is more than a gym—it's a pillar of holistic community building, nurturing physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. The running partners have exemplified this ethos for over four decades, forming a family bound by shared values. The Y teaches fitness, fosters lifelong relationships, and supports members through every stage of life. It's a place to grow, thrive, and find a true community RESOURCE LINKS: Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta BIOGRAPHY: Monte' Fowler Monte' Fowler is a long-standing Y and South Fulton Running Partners member and a seasoned professional with 23+ years in product management, technology, and consulting. As a Product Manager at Cox Communications, he oversees a $300M+ product portfolio and has launched innovative tools, earning the 2021 Synergy Award and multiple PIL awards. Dedicated to community service, Monte' has served on boards for Cascade Elementary, Beecher Hills Elementary, the Center for Working Families, and the YMCA. He has also directed the Sickle Cell Foundation of Georgia's largest fundraiser. Monte' holds an Executive MBA from Georgia Tech, a B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering, and certifications in AI and Lean Six Sigma. His expertise in technology and passion for service make him an outstanding podcast guest.