Alumni Spotlight: Owen Akhibi Herrera
Meet Owen Akhibi Herrera (BA International Business and Spanish, 2021), J.P. Morgan Associate and founder of Peak and Pace, a 50,000+ member New York City wellness and culture collective.
Peak and Pace has expanded from a small Saturday run in Brooklyn into a 50,000+ member community rooted in fitness, culture, and connection. The collective now hosts weekly runs, large-scale festivals, hikes, ski trips, and brand activations, with a mission to bring people together through movement, music, and joy. This September, Owen and his team are preparing to host their biggest event yet — a 5K and cultural carnival on Governors Island.
What is Peak and Pace?
Peak and Pace is a movement I started in New York that blends running, culture, and community. What began as a casual Saturday run has grown into a community of over 50,000 people. We host weekly runs, hikes, parties, wellness events, and now we’re gearing up for our first official race and festival this September. It’s a space where people from all backgrounds come together, rep their flags, move their bodies, and feel part of something bigger.
Why did you decide to start it?
I moved to New York City from London in 2023. At the time, I didn’t know many people and was craving real connection. So I did what felt natural, inviting a few people out for a run. From there, it took on a life of its own. Peak & Pace became about more than fitness. It became about joy, culture, and redefining what community looks like.
What benefits have you gained?
It’s changed my life. I’ve met people who feel like family. It’s given me purpose, especially during moments when I felt disconnected. I’ve also learned the power of consistency, storytelling, and creating spaces where people genuinely feel seen. It's made me want to stay in New York now more than ever... I used to want to leave New York!
What advice would you give to someone who is inspired to do something similar (not the same!)?
Start before you’re ready. Don’t wait for perfect branding or a big following. Just show up, serve your people, and build momentum through action. Stay consistent, stay grounded in your “why,” and remember that you don’t have to do it alone. Building community is never a solo effort.
Has your time at Leeds helped you build any skills useful to this?
Definitely. My time at Leeds gave me a solid foundation — from pitching ideas and presenting, to leading group work and planning events. But even more importantly, it taught me how to connect with a wide range of people and appreciate different cultures, which is a big part of what Peak and Pace is about.
What are your next plans?
Right now, we’re preparing for our biggest event yet — a 5K and cultural carnival on Governors Island this September. We’ve rented the entire island for the day and expect over 2,000 people. After that, we’re exploring expansion into other cities, developing a podcast, and continuing to highlight the intersection of wellness, identity, and community. I’m also starting to tell more of my personal story to inspire others who are looking to build something meaningful from scratch.
