A Love Letter to BIPOC Runners and Employees
Running Industry Diversity Coalition
Envisioning a running industry committed to racial justice where people of color are welcomed, valued, and amplified.
Dear RIDC Communities of Color,
In every newsletter introduction, we speak to everyone. This time around, it's on our hearts to speak directly to you—the Black, Indigenous, and People of Color who walk, run, and work in the running and outdoor industries.
In everything we do, you are at the center of the decisions we make, the partnerships we pursue, the passion that moves us, and the impact we are working to achieve. We hope you saw yourself represented well in our efforts this year, including but not limited to:
As we say goodbye to 2024 and look ahead to 2025, ?? our 5th anniversary?? , we want to reassure you of one thing: WE SEE YOU.
The RIDC exists because of you. Many of our staff and board members come from the communities we serve, and we carry your voices, experiences, and aspirations into everything we do.
Yes, there will be challenges ahead—real and perceived threats to our progress. But let us remind you: we are the last ones to give up. Our hope remains steadfast, and our strategic moves are intentional and focused.?We will continue to push forward, staying true to our mission, no matter what.
Thank you for being the best part of this organization.
Thank you for being the heartbeat of this movement.
Here’s to building an even more impactful 2025, together.
With gratitude and solidarity,
Kiera Smalls
Executive DirectorRunning Industry Diversity Coalition
RIDC Updates
As we close out the year, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support of our work and the communities we serve. Thanks to our community and partners, we’ve launched impactful initiatives like RUN THE BLOCK and deepened our connection with running communities in cities such as Charlotte, Seattle, New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Austin, and beyond. Your generosity and belief in our mission fuel us to dream bigger and do more.
In 2025, we’ll build on our progress, strengthening our core programming to advance employment and ownership opportunities, celebrate five years of impact, and expand efforts to get more runners and walkers exploring the outdoors. Our new program, set to launch in the new year, is guided by insights from our Racial Diversity in Trail Running research report and informed by key industry trends, creating even more meaningful change and greater inclusion across our sport and outdoor spaces.
Let’s make 2025 our most impactful year yet.?Reply to this email or visit our website to learn more about partnering with the RIDC or supporting our work, and join us in helping shape the future of running and the outdoors for everyone.
–RIDC Board and Staff
RIDC Names S?ng ánh Th? Nguy?n as President and Welcomes Victor Diaz to the Board!
We are thrilled to announce S?ng ánh Th? Nguy?n as the new President of the RIDC Board! Born in Quy Nhon, Vietnam, and having immigrated?to the US?at the age of 7, Song Anh has dedicated her life to fostering inclusivity and building community. Since joining the RIDC in 2021 and becoming a board member in 2022, she has been an integral part of advancing our mission.
As Vice President of Product at Feetures , Song Anh Nguyen leads the development of performance products while championing social impact initiatives and sustainability. She is also the co-founder of Pace of the East, a fitness group promoting community spirit, and a proud new mom to her daughter, Sunny.
We are excited to see Song Anh’s leadership continue to inspire positive change. Please join us in welcoming our Madam President!
We’re also thrilled to welcome Victor Diaz as the newest RIDC board member! Victor, co-founder of Oakland's RENEGADE RUNNING , is a powerhouse of community-building and advocacy. With his business partner, Victor created Renegade Running as a welcoming hub in Oakland, CA, that champions representation for people of color in the running world. This isn't just a store—it’s a destination for people to connect, explore, and push the boundaries of what running can be for all.
With over 20 years of public education, community organizing, and competitive running experience, Victor knows how to build and deepen connections while understanding the needs of our community. Victor will serve a three-year term, and we are excited for the expertise and perspective he will bring to the board!
领英推荐
A Reflection from Outgoing President and Co-Founder, Chris Lampen-Crowell
For the past four years, the RIDC has been a catalyst for meaningful change. As one of the seven co-founders, I am incredibly proud of the progress we’ve made and the impact we’ve created. While there are many accomplishments to celebrate, I want to take this moment to reflect on the early stages of our journey.
I want to share some thoughts that take me back to the beginning of my RIDC journey—the murder of a young Black runner. Join me as I reflect on how that tragedy shaped my life, our collective efforts, and our vision for a better future.
RIDC Member Spotlight: GU Energy Labs
GU Energy Labs is proud to announce the?Running Industry Diversity Coalition as its?GU Gives spotlight?partner for 2025–2026.?
“People feel more connected when they see themselves represented. Partnering with the RIDC and learning from them is all about helping build a running community where everyone feels truly valued and welcomed,” said Celia Camargo, Director of Community and Purpose at GU.
The elevated partnership with the RIDC is a continuation of GU Gives’ commitment to support non-profit organizations working to create opportunity and access in the outdoor industry. In 2023–2024, GU Gives spotlighted Rising Hearts and its Running on Native Lands initiative. Proceeds from the sale of Raspberry Lemonade Energy Gel have supported the organization’s work of fostering inclusive and accessible outdoor experiences.
RIDC Media & Events Round Up
What Else Is Happening in the Running Industry?
Chocolate City Relay and Pacers Running Ring the NASDAQ Closing Bell. Founded by Brittany Greene in 2021, Chocolate City Relay is a celebration of Black women runners and sisterhood. It’s since grown into a platform for powerhouse women blazing their own trails anchored in community.
Meet Charlotte Bowens, The Entrepreneur Making Trail Running Gear for Bigger Bodies.?After finishing a 50-mile race, she used what she learned on the trails to found Conscious Gear, an outdoor brand celebrating body diversity in the outdoors.
'Quite the journey' BIPOC outdoor adventures grows by leaps and bounds.?When Aseel Hashim started to put together plans for a BIPOC outdoor adventures club at Lakehead University, only a handful of students came to the first event. As 2024 draws to a close, the club now features 200 members.
GU is proud to offer 2 runners from historically excluded and underrepresented communities (e.g. people who identify as BIPOC, Trans, Adaptive, etc.) the opportunity to run the 2025 Western States Endurance Run, the historic 100-mile footrace from Palisades Tahoe to Auburn, CA this June 28.?Applications close December 18, and selected athletes will receive free race entry, free training camp entry, GU products, coaching, and a $5,000 travel scholarship.
The first-ever International Running Expo is set to be staged in 2025.?The event is set to unite key players in the running industry and showcase the latest products, technologies, trends and innovations in the running sphere at the RAI Amsterdam in the Netherlands.
RIDC Jobs Round Up
Who's hiring? Check out our jobs page on the RIDC website!
Thinking about applying for a role at one of the organizations listed in the link above? Awesome! Just make sure to mention that you found the opportunity through the RIDC.
When you see?the term BIPOC throughout RIDC materials, we are talking about Black, Indigenous, and all People of Color. ?
Till next time,?
Running Industry Diversity Team?
@runningdiversity?
#Running4Diversity?