African‐Americans (AA) have higher prevalence of hypertension than Caucasians (CA) in the United States. In addition, AA have stiffer central arteries (carotid and aortic) and higher peripheral vascular resistance. These factors are known to directly contribute to end‐organ damage. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of aerobic exercise training on carotid and central stiffness in young white and African American individuals. 24 AA (8 men and 16 women) and 32 CA (17 men and 15 women) between the ages of 18–35 volunteered for the study, and completed a 8 week aerobic exercise training period (30–60 min of exercise at 60–90% of maximal heart rate, 3 times/week). Women were tested during menses. Carotid and aortic blood pressures were measured using applanation tonometry. Carotid maximum diameter increased significantly following training in CA (7.2 ± 0.1 to 7.4 ± 0.1) as compared to AA (7.5 ± 0.1 to 7.4 ± 0.2). In addition, carotid minimum diameter increased significantly following training in CA as compared to AA (6.5 ± 0.1 to 6.9 ± 0.1 vs. 6.9 ± 0.1 to 6.9 ± 0.2). Carotid SBP, DBP, MAP, Carotid/aortic stiffness or augmentation index showed no changes following training (data not shown, p<0.05). These data suggest that even though 8 weeks of aerobic training had no effect on carotid BP and carotid/aortic stiffness in normotensive CA and AA there is significant arterial remodeling in CA as opposed to AA.