See a marathoner running races in a suit? That’s North Philly’s Alim Wallace

The image of a long-distance runner is usually a combination of heavy-duty sneakers, compression shorts, and sweat-absorbing tops. But that’s not the picture Alim Wallace paints on a race day.

That’s because the North Philly native shows up in a tailored suit, with a pocket square and a suede briefcase stuffed with hydration packs and electrolyte gels. Yes, to a race.

Since his first race in 2025, Wallace has competed in the Philadelphia Marathon, the Broad Street Run, and others like the Life Time Miami Marathon and the Publix Atlanta Marathon. He’s racked up medals and thousands of social media followers who follow him not just to see him run past the finishing line, but to see what he wears crossing it.

“It was about having an idea, and being bold enough to do it,” Wallace, 31, said. “Some people will let an idea stop them. They say, ‘People are going to look at me funny. People are going to think this way.’ I really don’t care.”

Wallace goes by aktiv8edleem on social media, but has another name that’s beginning to stick: “The Suit Guy.”

On race day, no matter the weather conditions, he trades in dry-fit shorts and tops for button-ups, tailored trousers, and slim fit suit jackets. Then he finishes his look with a suede briefcase. While other runners may coordinate their shoes with activewear or bibs, Wallace matches his to a tie or a pocket square.

He even stops mid-race to take fake cell phone calls to complete the “business” look.

Videos of him running alongside other racers, engaging with spectators, and drawing cheers have generated millions of views across social media. His clothes slow down his run but he’s been enjoying the added attention.

“I don’t even run with headphones because I already know people are going to be talking to me. They are going to be motivated, going to inspire me, and give me the energy I need from them cheering me on,” Wallace said.

The idea to run in a suit was inspired by a video of a man racing in a pair of jeans that Wallace saw on Instagram. He scrolled down, and noticed several brands offering him deals and partnerships.

Wallace, growing tired of posting weight-lifting videos with little engagement, decided to take it up a notch.

“I was just joking [about wearing a suit]. But at the same time, I wasn’t.”

At last year’s Rocky Run, Wallace first put his idea to the test.

He started with a business casual outfit — dress pants, a dress shirt, and briefcase. That video drew nearly 30,000 views, the most any of his posts had generated to that point.

“I might have something here,” he thought.

After the Rocky Run, Wallace landed a partnership with activewear and athleisure brand Fabletics. They gifted him three stretch fit suits in black, blue, and olive green; he wore the blue one for the 2025 Philadelphia Marathon. He branded them on the back with his mantra, “Stay Aktive,” and attached his social media handle for added visibility.

A series of social media videos followed, and Wallace hasn’t looked back.

“It just took off, and I decided I’m doing all of my races like this,” he said.

But things weren’t always rosy for him.

In early 2025, he was in the throes of a breakup, his credit repair and rental car business was failing, and he was slipping into depression. He decided to hit the gym.

“I don’t know what it is, but the gym helps me through depression, mental problems, and helps me feel good about myself,” Wallace said. “It’s always been the gateway to try to do better in life.”

He shed nearly 60 pounds and began posting videos of his workouts. A friend encouraged him to join a nearby run club in the spring of 2025.

He first said no, but after a mile run at an outdoor track nearly “killed” him, he was motivated to build up his endurance. That summer, he ran a 10K at the Philly Run Fest.

The adrenaline he felt that day changed his life for the better.

“I haven’t stopped running since,” he said.

“It took me out of that depression state, and that’s where I came up with the mantra, ‘Stay motivated, stay positive, stay active,’ because that’s what I was telling myself.”

The passion Wallace poured into his business ventures is what he now puts into his fitness videos, and it’s worked out for him. It’s even gotten his mother to come out and cheer for him at races.

“My mom is really engaged. She came with me to Miami and Atlanta. Me doing this has helped motivate her, and make me look like her favorite son. That alone just motivates me,” he said.

For now, Wallace doesn’t have a specific goal in mind. But what he’s chasing is beyond social media fame. He wants his motivational messages to reach a larger audience, so they can also reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, develop a more positive mindset, and shed whatever troubles weigh them down.

“My ultimate goal is to motivate people, inspire them, and give people knowledge as I learn more about myself and building my brand at the same time,” Wallace said.