How Lionel Brodie III Built OPAC Into a Purpose-Driven Run Club in Philadelphia

Some brands are built in boardrooms.

Others are built out on the pavement — one stride, one idea, one person at a time.

Lionel Brodie III is proof of the latter.

Brodie is the founder of Original Propaganda Athletic Club (OPAC) — a run club that’s grown into a movement across cities like Philadelphia and Salt Lake City. But OPAC isn’t just about running. It’s about belonging. It’s about creating space for people who didn’t see themselves in the traditional running world — and it all started with a bad run.

Where OPAC Really Started

Brodie showed up to a local run club years ago — full of optimism, laced up in Air Maxes, rocking a NASCAR hat — only to leave feeling completely invisible. No one said hello. No one checked in. And while he physically finished the run, something about that experience broke him emotionally.

Instead of quitting, Brodie channeled it.

He decided to create a space where “all faces, all paces” wasn’t just branding — it was a promise.

That day, OPAC was born.

Running Isn’t Just Physical — It’s Political, Personal, and Cultural

Brodie makes it clear: for many Black runners and creatives, running isn’t just a workout. It’s a form of expression. It’s spiritual. It’s cultural. And sometimes, it’s survival.

In our conversation, he shared how running helped him process loss, breakups, and the challenges of trying to stay consistent in a world full of distractions.

He didn’t want OPAC to be just another hype group that posts every now and then. He wa

nted it to be real. Grounded. Sustainable. A place where you didn’t have to look or move a certain way to show up.

From Villanova to Visionary

Before OPAC, Brody worked at Villanova University as the Director of Equipment. He traveled with the men’s basketball team, handled their gear, and was there for major wins — including a national championship.

But behind the scenes, he was burning out.

The job was high-pressure. The politics were heavy. And over time, he found himself falling out of love with the sport and the school he once cherished.

Leaving wasn’t easy. But it was necessary. Because Brodie realized something deeper: If you’re going to give your life to something, it should reflect your values.

OPAC Today: A Platform for Athletes, Creators, and the Community

What started as a grassroots run club is now so much more.

Brodie has expanded OPAC into:

• Youth development sports programs

• Athlete consulting for NIL and branding

• Brand partnerships with Nike, HOKA, and Lululemon

• Community events and brand storytelling sessions

But even with the growth, the mission hasn’t changed. It’s still about creating access, showing up for people, and building something sustainable — not trendy.

“We’re not out here to make noise. We’re here to make space.”

What Makes a Good Brand Partner?

In the episode, Brody dropped gems for anyone pitching brands:

• Be clear on your value — don’t just hope they see it.

• Think long-term — align with brands that align with your mission.

• Get your team right — because execution matters.

He also spoke on the disconnect between performance and culture. Too many running brands ignore the lived experience of the people they market to. OPAC doesn’t.

Burnout, Aging, and Staying Relevant

Brody gets real about what it’s like to be 45 in a content-heavy world that moves at the speed of Reels. He’s honest about burnout, about losing creative fire, and about the challenge of staying visible while also staying grounded.

But he’s also clear: there’s power in pace.

“We’ve lasted 10 years because we never tried to go viral — we tried to go deeper.”

The Future of OPAC

More partnerships. More youth sports. More consulting. More storytelling.

But more than anything, Brody wants OPAC to remain a space — not just an aesthetic. He wants it to be a place where runners become leaders, kids become creators, and Black stories stay at the center of movement culture.

Final Takeaway: Show Up. Then Keep Showing Up.

Brody didn’t build OPAC overnight. He built it over time. Through heartbreak. Through transition. Through hard runs and early mornings and moments when no one clapped.

If you’re trying to build something that matters — whether that’s a brand, a club, or just a better version of yourself — this episode is for you.

“We’re all trying to move forward. OPAC is just here to remind you that you don’t have to move alone.”

Want More?

• Watch the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kLTaz-YmtA

• Follow Lionel: @originalpropagandaathleticclub

• Subscribe to Beyond the Brand for more real convos like this.