Meet Brittany Scott: The Marathoner Who Brings Her Whole Self to the Starting Line
January 21, 2026 • By PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT
From Nashville roots to Harvard halls and marathon finish lines, Brittany Scott is proof that discipline, joy, and community can all coexist in one powerful fitness journey.
If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like when purpose, passion, and persistence collide, let us introduce you to Brittany Scott, Ed.M., our January 2026 Instagram Photo Contest winner. At 30, the Harvard Graduate School of Education alumna and Howard University grad is balancing life as a senior nonprofit manager while chasing big goals on the run course. Her winning photo, captured mid-stride at the Marine Corps Marathon, isn’t just a race-day moment. It’s a snapshot of years of consistency, community, and confidence. From discovering fitness while living abroad to earning a spot on Ted Corbitt’s honorary list of Black American-born women who’ve run a sub-3:30 marathon, Brittany’s journey reflects what happens when you keep showing up and trust the process.
Tell us how your winning photo came about.
My winning photo was snapped during the 50th Marine Corps Marathon this past October. I was coming through the District Running Collective (DRC) cheer squad around mile 19, which is a high point for any DRC race. As a DRC member and Captain, the cheer squad provides a huge energy boost to push through what is arguably one of the toughest parts of the marathon. At Marine Corps, it’s especially meaningful because the DRC cheer squad sits right before the bridge that takes you back into Virginia.
This photo means even more to me because that race resulted in a huge PR and my fastest marathon time yet, 3:26:51, earning me a spot on Ted Corbitt’s Honorary List of Black American-born women who have run a sub-3:30 marathon. Shout out to photographer Gil Johnson (@hughmediaco) for capturing the moment.
Please briefly share your fitness journey with us.
My fitness journey in adulthood began in 2018 while I was living and working in Rustenburg, South Africa as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant. There wasn’t much to do outside of work in a town known for platinum mining, so I started going to the gym after school to fill my time.
After moving back to the States, I ran my first 5K in December 2018. Six months later, I ran the Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K and was officially hooked. When the pandemic hit, running quickly became my outlet to get outside, stay active, and protect my mental health.
In 2021, I joined the District Running Collective as a member and ran my first half marathon. By 2023, I stepped into a leadership role as a Captain and completed my first two marathons, including the NYC Marathon. To date, I’ve tackled distances ranging from the 5K and 10 Miler to the half and full marathon.
I also joined the Chocolate City Relay family, where I participated in a 60-mile relay race around DC alongside other Black women in the distance running space. In 2025, we took it to another level and raced in a 340-mile relay from Los Angeles to Las Vegas with The Speed Project. As my running journey continues, my goal is to get faster and stronger, ultimately running a sub-3:00 marathon. Along the way, I hope to continue inspiring other Black women and women of color to lace up and embrace their own running journey, regardless of pace or distance.
We believe fitness + friendship = FUN! What is your favorite group fitness workout?
Strength classes at SweatDC are a current favorite of mine. Consistent strength training has always been a challenge for me, so I really appreciate the guided workouts and hands-on coaching that come with a group setting.
While working out is essential, so is eating the right foods. What is your go-to pre-workout meal? How do you refuel after a workout?
Before a hard workout or long run, I always make it a priority to get carbohydrates in beforehand. A bagel, banana, and electrolytes are usually my go-to. After a workout, I aim to refuel within an hour, focusing on replenishing electrolytes, carbohydrates, and protein. Often, I’ll keep a recovery mix like Tailwind on hand to hold me over until I’m able to get home and make a full meal.
What is one item that is always in your gym bag?
Headphones! Whether I’m heading out for a run or hitting the gym, headphones are a must!
What are your top 3 fitness Instagram accounts to follow?
What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?
While most people know me as a runner, I also golf! I played on and off growing up and even participated in The First Tee as a kid, but I’ve recently gotten back into the sport as an adult. Now that I have my own set of clubs, I’m all in!
What are the top three goals you hope to accomplish in life?
- That’s a huge question. In terms of fitness, I would love to run all of the World Marathon Majors. I’m currently at 3 of the 7!
- Additionally, I’d love to run a sub-3:00 marathon to earn a spot on “The List”.
- The ultimate dream is to remain active and healthy throughout my entire life!
What do the words PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT mean to you?
To me, PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT means being fearless, regardless of the societal norms and boxes we’re expected to fit into. It’s about rejecting the idea that strength and femininity can’t coexist, and choosing instead to go hard and strive in every area of life, whether that’s in a workout, a race, or in the pursuit of personal and professional goals.
Since PRETTY GIRLS SWEAT, what is your favorite deodorant?
Degree Shower Clean!
How can readers stay in touch with you on social media?
Follow me on:
- Instagram – @_britttmarieee
- Tiktok – @_britttmarieee34
- and for my run girlies – Strava at Brittany S!
And for more empowering content from women who sweat with purpose, check out @prettygirlssweat on Instagram!
Want to be a future photo contest winner. Tag @prettygirlssweat in your favorite fitness photos on instagram for a chance to win PGS merch and a feature on prettygirlssweat.com.
