Latoya Shauntay Snell is NOT your typical athlete.
I was suggested to write this section of my website in the third person so ahem...
Recognized by The Root as one of the most influential African Americans aged 25 to 45, Latoya is a sponsored endurance athlete, body politics advocate, and motivational speaker living her truth boldly and unapologetically.
Her story unfolds on the pages of Running Fat Chef ®, a blog that delves into her fitness exploits from a unique perspective – that of a Black, queer, and chronically ill plus-size long-distance runner. Navigating spaces that often overlook individuals like her, Latoya has shared her experiences on platforms such as 3rd Hour Today, Good Morning America, Huffington Post, The Cut, and Elle. She's on a mission, rewriting the narrative on ideal body types and fitness stereotypes, engaging in bold conversations about setting boundaries in the fitness and wellness sphere.
In 2019, Latoya faced the most challenging year of her life — navigating false allegations from marathon trolls, enduring harassment, and confronting online bullying that thrust her unexpectedly into the spotlight. What initially marked her toughest season unfolded as the powerful catalyst propelling her forward to make an enduring impact in the lives of others.
Truth be told, Latoya never aspired to be an influencer, especially not one burdened with prefixes people sometimes lump under the overly simplified "you're inspiring" category. She refuses to be pitied or turned into a think piece debating whether individuals like her belong in the running space.
Fast forward to 2024, and here she stands, fully embracing the importance of telling this story. Latoya can't control how people see her, but she knows that storytelling has the power to make the right people feel seen, heard, and included. There's no manual for navigating an industry that often demands conformity. So, she’s made a promise to herself not to let external voices dictate the narrative of her success.
Welcome to Latoya's journey. It's not just about running races; it's about breaking barriers and redefining what it means to be a champion. Latoya Shauntay Snell - this is her story, her way.
PAST AND PRESENT PARTNERSHIPS
Runner's World, November 2020
HOKA, January 2019
Strava, December 2022
City Challenge, July 2019
Summersalt Campaign 2021
ELOQUII, Spring 2019
Gymshark, Spring 2022
KNIX Campaign, Summer 2022
WRITER
As a freelance writer, I bring a unique blend of personal experiences, passion, and expertise to my craft. With a focus on amplifying marginalized voices and challenging societal norms, my writing explores the intersections of fitness, wellness, and identity, sparking thought-provoking conversations and inspiring positive change. Consider this an invitation to read some essays and articles I’ve written for businesses and media outlets.
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Bridging the Gap Between My Mental Health While on the Run, HOKA, May 2023
Giving Myself Permission to Start Over, HOKA, November 2022
Chronic Pain Warrior Latoya Shauntay on Finding Joy Through Movement, Knix, August 2022
The Benefits of Cross Training with Latoya Shauntay Snell, HOKA, January 2022
Why I Choose to Continue Running with Global Athlete Ambassador Latoya Shauntay Snell, HOKA, March 2021
Healing On Two Wheels: Pressing Forward, Grieving, and Adapting to a New Normal Through Cycling, TREK, January 2021
How I Move Despite Fears as a BIPOC Athlete with Latoya Snell, HOKA, October 2020
Chasing Your Impossible with Latoya Shauntay Snell, HOKA, June 2019
I’m Running 10 Marathons This Year and I Still Get Fat-Shamed. Here’s My Response, HuffPost, January 2019
Concrete to Cacti: Latoya Shauntay Snell’s First 100K, HOKA, November 2018
What I’ve Learned as a Plus-Size Endurance Athlete, Gear Junkie, June 2018
I Was Tired of Being the “Funny and Fat” Friend - So Now I Run Ultramarathons, Women’s Health, February 2018
What Happened After I Spoke Out About Fat Shaming at the NYC Marathon, Runners World, February 2018
What It’s Really Like To Parent a Child with a Chronic Illness, HuffPost, January 2018
Sizing Each Other Up: Why Do Other Women Try to Kill My Vibe? The Root, December 2017
I’m a Plus-Size Runner and I Got Heckled at the NYC Marathon, The Root, November 2017
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Thevenard, Canepa Prevail at Wild Ultra-Trail du Mont Blanc Race, Gear Junkie, September 2018
Defying Gravity: 5 Pole Dancing Athletes Debunk Stereotypes-and Dare You to Try Something New, The Root, January 2018
On Reinvention and Remission: Chef Elle Simone Scott Is Paving the Way for Women of Color in the Culinary Industry, January 2018
More Than a #FatGirlRunning: Ultrarunner Mina Valerio Shuts Down Naysayers and Promotes Self-Care, The Root, January 2018
Required Reading: 10 Things You Need to Know About Consent, The Root, January 2018
Protect Your Tresses: Hair-Care Tips for the Reluctant Fitness Enthusiast, The Root, January 2018
A Closetful of Bad Decisions: Why H&M’s Misstep is More Than a Poor Marketing Choice, The Root, January 2018
Body Politics: Transforming Your #TransformationTuesday, The Root, January 2018
Shedding Light on Reproductive Health: Understanding Adenomyosis, The Root, December 2017
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Happy to Share: Recipe Edition, HOKA, December 2023
‘Moosh’ and Weird Ways UTMB Ultrarunning Pros Fuel the Frenzy, Gear Junkie, September 2018
Mind Your Plate, Not My Stomach: Surviving the Holidays with Judgmental Loved Ones, The Root, December 2017
She’s Smokin’: The Running Fat Chef Has a Holiday Dinner Hack for You, The Root, December 2017
“Latoya is an absolute gem of a human and an incredibly inspiring athlete. She has inspired me to continue running and working out, even on the hardest days. She is candid about all of the realities of running (bloody nipples, weird feet injuries, pooping one’s pants, period blood, questionable rashes from chafing). These stories are so reassuring to hear because no one else in the fitness world speaks so openly about these things!”
WRITING IN VISUAL FORM
Prior to my thriving career in the fitness industry, I was a traveling slam poet and shared prose on Myspace - it’s okay, you can chuckle. Sometimes I’m offered unique opportunities to allow both worlds to collide in a beautiful way.
