Nikaeda Griffie started running in high school as a way to socialize and continued cross country and track in college for gym credit and to stay in shape. Nikaeda returned to running in 2007 when a coworker invited her to participate on a marathon relay team. From there she went on to participate in one event each month usually between a 5k and 10k distance. A year later she ran her first half marathon and then her first marathon a few weeks later. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic she had been training for her dream race, the Selma to Montgomery Relay where she would run the route Civil Rights leaders traveled on foot for voting rights. The race was cancelled the week before it was to take place in March 2020 but Nikaeda ran the race virtually. Following this accomplishment, her coach encouraged her to train for Indiana Trail 100 endurance race. After 8 months of training, Nikaeda earned her 100 mile buckle in October 2021.  She now runs for stress relief as much as fitness and prides herself in being an average runner with above average goals. She is a proud member of several running clubs- the most influential being Black Girls Run!, Black Runners Connection, National Black Marathoners Association and She Runs This Town.