Recreational Director: Jay Wilkinson

Meet Jay Wilkinson, our Recreational Director based in NYC. 

Some people run for time. Others run for achievements. Jay runs to feel. Growing up in New Mexico's desert landscape, he discovered that movement could be medicine—a way to escape, heal, and eventually create community.

Jay is a positive force to be reckoned with—bringing miles of experience to the NYC run scene.

As a RIVR Recreational Director, Jay brings that same raw energy to the streets of New York, creating spaces where runners don't just chase miles, they chase purpose.

We sat down with Jay to talk about the road that brought him here, his philosophy on running, and why running brings community together.

RIVR: What's your name?

Justine Wilkinson. I go by Jay.

RIVR: Where are you from?

I'm light years away. New Mexico. Originally from the West Coast, with roots that stretch through the Midwest.

RIVR: When did you first get into running?

I've been running my whole life—not just for sport, but to feel something, to escape, to survive.

RIVR: What influenced your approach to wellness?

Honestly as a kid, I was always active. I grew up in the western deserts of New Mexico and would just f*** up the trails and roads! I'm talking about 10 years old or even younger. Running was my outlet. There wasn't someone who I looked up to. I found running on my own. It became a safe place for me to be authentic, loud, and a hardcore runner. Wellness is important to me. It focuses on not just physical health but mental as well. I came out of the closet being a young kid in a strict religious environment. Running was my safe place to escape and to be me.

RIVR: Why do you run?

I run. I run to feel whole, even when I'm not. I run to remind myself that I'm still becoming. Running has saved me. It continues to save me.

I created a brand that's soon to launch! I decided to put two in one, fashion and running. "SLI.ME HABIT" is my way of making sure no one feels that alone. It's a space for the in-between. For the powerful. For the ****** badass! For those becoming. For those who run not just to move — but to survive, to feel, to rise. "It's them. Then it's you."

I live by that. I run to honor those who came before me, and then I run for myself, for clarity, for sanity, for visibility.

RIVR: Do you have a 'personal best' you're proud of?

There's no race or number I'm trying to beat. Every running experience or race has pushed me to be better and understand the meaning of what it's like to be at my personal best!

RIVR: How did you become a community leader in NYC?

I learned to listen, stay humble, and stay NYC tough. Lol! I stayed connected with communities and always supported as much as I could with other run clubs. I became a NYC Community Leader. I'll see what else NYC has to offer for me.

RIVR: What does community mean to you, and why does it matter?

For me, running is personal. It's about staying open, relieving stress, and learning through motion. But more than anything, it's about community — showing up, growing together, and creating space where everyone feels seen. In a city that's always moving, I'm here to build moments that matter, with people who run for something deeper.

RIVR: How do you see the connection between movement and community?

Running's not just a solo hustle; it's a rhythm you share with others. It's about the grind, the groups, and the energy that keeps you pushing. Whether you're chasing goals or just out for the vibe, it's the community that turns every mile into something bigger. Especially here in NYC. There are so many different people, and full of diversity and culture. Running is rooted deeply.

RIVR: Why did you become a RIVR Recreational Director?

I found myself always wanting to break boundaries and be completely authentic, and I found that this drink says it all! I took my first sip and fukin loved it! Every time I pull up somewhere, everyone asks what it is. So now I just bring RIVR anywhere I go, even to all the community fun! I'm representing and sharing with others.

RIVR: What's your go-to way to reset when life gets hectic?

I love to be alone sometimes. I'm an over-thinker who's filled with ideas! To be able to reset is enjoying my space at home and creating or hitting the pavement.

RIVR: What's your go-to RIVR?

Hm, I would say they all for sure taste good! But Awaken Raspberry Hibiscus hits and makes me chill af!

RIVR: What's your dream race destination?

I always said that I wanted to race The Great Wall of China. I said that when I was a kid. I would love to create my own race experiment or even hit on some special races that are being created by some of the overlooked athletes in the world. BUT I've been peeping out the Saddles 100 that Michael Versteeg and Satisfy Running have been doing. I would love to race that.

RIVR: Anything you’d like to share?

Myself! @run.emo.run  Brand! @sli.me.habit

Connect with Jay on Instagram:

• @run.emo.run (Personal)

• @sli.me.habit (Brand)
  

Photos: @isojordan

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