Meet Alix Still of The Vanderbilt area

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alix Still

Hi Alix, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m originally from Scotland and moved to the United States at 16 by myself to pursue my dream of running track. I attended IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, a sports boarding school, for two years before graduating and earning a Track and Field scholarship to the University of Virginia.
It was at UVA where I first became involved with the ‘Run Your City’ community. Two teammates, Mary (who introduced us via email) and another friend, founded a nonprofit called ‘Run Charlottesville.’ Every Sunday for six weeks each fall and spring, we met with kids from the local community to run, play games, and encourage them to get active. It was a rewarding experience, and I volunteered with the program for at least two years during my time at UVA.
After college, I attended Vanderbilt for my graduate studies, where I continued running track. It was here that I truly saw the power of community. Last summer, Mary reached out and asked if I’d be interested in bringing ‘Run Your City’ to Nashville. I was super excited for this possibility and said yes. This spring, we’re launching ‘Run Your City Nashville’ and I’m really excited to see how it grows here!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been smooth. Introducing something new to a community always comes with challenges, especially when you don’t have a built-in network or know who to trust. With Run Charlottesville, we had to figure out how to spread the word and build momentum in the local community. It wasn’t easy at first, but we learned a lot about how to connect with people and create a space where everyone felt welcomed.

When I moved to Nashville to bring Run Your City here, I faced similar hurdles and am still facing them. We had to start from scratch, reaching out to schools, local organizations, and trying to build relationships with community leaders. It takes time to build that trust and get people on board.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my 9-5 job, I am a Marketing and Events Coordinator, However, when it comes to Run Your City Nashville, I specialize in creating community-driven spaces through sports, particularly in running and fitness. My passion is in making fitness accessible and encouraging people of all backgrounds to get involved, whether they’re just starting or have been active for years.

What I’m most proud of is the impact these programs have on the community. For me, it’s not just about running, t’s about building relationships, fostering a sense of belonging, and creating a positive, supportive environment for people (especially children) to thrive.

What sets me apart is my ability to connect with people on a personal level. I’ve been through the process of moving to a new country, starting fresh, and navigating unfamiliar communities, so I understand the importance of trust and meaningful connections.

Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something that might surprise people is that I actually work best in “organized chaos.” I think most people would assume that, given my background as an athlete and running a nonprofit, everything is perfectly planned and structured. But the truth is, I thrive when things are a bit messy at first. I like when the unexpected happens because it gives me the chance to adapt and find solutions on the fly. I’m not a big planner, I’d rather let things flow and figure out the details as we go.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.runyourcity.org/run-nashville
• Instagram: ryc.nashville