For years, residents and locals would casually spot Baltimore’s Running Man in the city, running cross-country in an effort to stay healthy. People honk their horns and wave in support when they see him.
At 64-years-old, Keith Boissiere runs 20 miles a day and has done so for the last 30 years. He isn’t preparing for a competition or race, he’s simply running for his health.
Boissiere eats spoonfuls of honey so he can feel full before his run, rather than eating a heavy breakfast. To protect his safety and well-being, he now only runs in daylight to avoid attacks or dangerous encounters.
According to the Baltimore Sun, the Trinidad and Tobago native migrated to the United States in 1974 to attend the prestigious Howard University, where he received a mechanical engineer degree. In 2017, he received an award from the Baltimore City Council for inspiring local neighborhoods.
Boissiere lives by the old saying, “If you rest, you rust,” never letting anything deter him from his daily 20-mile run, not even the toughest weather. He’d burn through 2-3 pairs of sneakers a month, running through blizzards, heatwaves, and the toughest climate.
His adoration for running once took him on a seven-hour trip from Baltimore to Washington, D.C.
“I run because I love it. I run for my health and I run for my life,” he said in a recent commercial.
His deteriorating health was part of the fire that ignited his love for running. The staff at the University of Maryland Medical Center championed him to start running after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Chronic Kidney Disease, which affected his ability to work and caused serious health issues.
Boissiere recently signed a sponsorship and commercial deal to promote Maryland-based clothing retailer, DTLR’s Run Club, encouraging the city of Baltimore and the black community to get running and active.
Check out Baltimore’s Running Man, Keith Boissiere, in DTLR’s recent commercial below.