Running News Daily

Country Star "Jelly Roll" Is Training for His First 5K

The country-pop-rap sensation has already dropped close to 200 pounds in the past few years.

Over the past few years, country-pop sensation Jelly Roll has embarked on a weight loss journey to improve his overall health. Now, the singer has announced he is gearing up for the next step by training to run a 5K in the spring.

“Yeah baby, this message is for Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura,” the 39-year-old said in a video posted to Instagram. “I was on the Full Send Podcast this week, and Kyle from the Nelk boys convinced me that I could make it to the 5K by May if I dedicated myself to it,” he said, referring to a challenge put forth by comedians Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura who host the popular 2 Bears, 1 Cave Podcast.

The rapper, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, says in the video that he has been taking daily walks while slowly building up to running the 5K. “Bert, I love you bubba, Tom, I don’t know you but I love you too and can’t wait to meet you. I’ll be there baby, I’m in the woods walking every morning.” the rapper said. 

The comedians will be hosting a 5K in May, intending to run it in under 26 minutes. For every minute Tom & Bert go above the 26-minute 5K run time challenge, they will each donate $1,000 to a charity they choose. The race will also feature several other comedians participating, in addition to Jelly Roll.

He closes the video by saying he is committed to the run by May. “5K by May baby, 5K by May. I mean it Bert! I mean it Bert!”

Running a 5K is the next step in his weight loss journey. The CMA winner, who weighed over 500 pounds in 2015, has already dropped over 200 pounds in the past few years, and in a December 2022 interview with Music Mayhem, the singer said he was planning to prioritize his family and his health in 2023.

In November, he told Fox News he had lost around 50 pounds while on tour last year. “I’m drinking less than I’ve ever drank, and I feel incredible. I’m drinking water like a fish. I’m getting it right out here. I want to touch people as long as I can,” he told the news outlet.

In February of last year, he posted an update on his health goals to X. “Just know that I’m doing my part—I’m working out daily … praying and meditating ... Eating better—losing weight,” he said. “Making sure I bring the best version of me on my new album and this tour ... this is what growth and gratitude look like in real-time.”

We look forward to seeing him on the course, and who knows what’s next—maybe he’ll be one of the celebrity runners in next year’s New York City Marathon?