RIDC: Celebration as an Act of Resistance
Running Industry Diversity Coalition
Envisioning a running industry committed to racial justice where people of color are welcomed, valued, and amplified.
We are less than a month away from the presidential election, and the polarization of the current political climate makes it tough to ignore the increasing tension. Racial justice issues have become central to national debates and permeate our social spaces. Yet, when we focus solely on these issues, it can start to feel like that's all there is. What should drive us toward progress often gets stalled in division and eventual apathy.
THE COOKOUT, RIDC's annual community event held during TRE, is our opportunity to release some of that tension and embrace a moment of celebration. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color?do not exist solely within the pain points of diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are changemakers and critical leaders in our industry. Distilling our stories and experiences to shared struggles diminishes the richness of our identities. One of the best ways to balance this is by seizing opportunities to uplift and celebrate!
THE COOKOUT is born out of the shared joy of communities of color coming together—joined by those who continue to stand alongside us. At the heart of this event lies an appreciation for the depth and uniqueness of who we are and the many ways our cultures and stories continue to evolve.
RIDC's end-of-the-year celebration and fundraising ensure the product of this space exists not just for one night but all year long. We extend special thanks to our Stride Leaders—Saucony, HOKA, ASICS, Altra, Feetures, On, and New Balance—whose incredible generosity makes this event possible. A heartfelt shout-out also goes to our Pacesetters and Cheerleaders so far—Brooks, Strava, Active Brands Consulting, GU, Big Peach Running Co., and Playmakers. For companies attending the running industry's party of the year, be sure to bring your BIPOC staff and ambassadors, along with engaged allies!
Echoing what our Executive Director and Membership & Strategy Manager mentioned in previous newsletters: it is our collective responsibility to stay united and move forward in support of the RIDC mission. Events like THE COOKOUT are vital to this mission—last year, everyone left with a new or strengthened connection outside their familiar networks. These shared experiences, where food, music, and community come together, create opportunities for us?to break down barriers and simply enjoy one another’s company. These moments of connection are invaluable, fueling the fresh energy that RIDC brings not just to TRE, but to the entire running industry.
We will see you there!
In community,
Abigail Hollie, RIDC Program Manager
RIDC Updates
Support THE COOKOUT 2024 as a Cheerleader or Pacesetter!?
Are you looking for more ways to support this annual celebration? We have sponsorship opportunities still available, and we would love to have you included. Reply to this email or reach out to Betsy at?[email protected] for more information.?If you would like to attend the event, make sure you?reserve your spot!
FUN FACT: Next year’s event will mark the RIDC's 5th anniversary, a milestone celebration you won’t want to miss! Add this celebration and fundraiser to your plans NOW.
"Over the past four years, RIDC’s involvement with TRE has transformed not just the event but also the running industry at large. The partnership has made a noticeable difference at the annual conference and trade show, challenging TRE to evolve in ways that align with RIDC’s mission and in return, creating ripple effects throughout the industry.?To learn more about TRE 2024, taking place November 19-21 in Austin, TX, visit the event website or send the TRE team an email at [email protected]." – TRE
As a?TRE partner, we're dedicated to ensuring increased visibility,?inclusion, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. Our offerings promise to be even more impactful this year. Check?out a sneak peek our 2024 plans!
All Week?Long:
Support BIPOC businesses in Texas. While concerns about conducting business in Texas persist, our commitment to the success of BIPOC businesses and residents remains unwavering. The RIDC is collaborating with local BIPOC-owned companies and residents for our board meeting, TRE booth needs and event staffing, and the planning and execution of our community event, THE COOKOUT. Our educational sessions will center on uplifting?BIPOC communities, and we will be patronizing BIPOC-owned or operated restaurants for our dining experiences. Let's all work together to empower and elevate the local communities and businesses. ?
Increase BIPOC presence. We're thrilled to work with TRE and On to offer an increased number of scholarships to Black, Indigenous, and?People of Color working in run specialty–from owners and managers to frontline employees. Meet our recipients in next month's newsletter! We will also bring the RUN THE BLOCK winner with us to TRE!
Monday:
RIDC Board Meeting: The RIDC staff and board will be in Austin a few days earlier for our board meeting. We use this time for reflection, strategic planning, and reinforcing our commitment to continuous?racial justice training.
Tuesday:
90-Minute Deep Dive:?'The Future of Run Specialty from the RIDC Lens: Relevance and Consumer Loyalty.' Discover the blueprint for success in the evolving run specialty industry. The RIDC will bring together retailers and brands to share about their impactful community collaborations from 2023/2024 that redefine on-the-ground engagement and build long-term consumer trust and loyalty. Learn how these companies stay relevant in a competitive market, guided by their community partnerships.
Private Mixer: We are bringing back our welcome event for RIDCxOnxTRE scholarship recipients,?staff, and board.
Wednesday:
CommUnity Run/Walk,?powered by Saucony:?Connect and run with local Austin-run groups and running industry leaders from across the country for a unique experience. The Trail of Lights won't be open in time, but we still have fun plans for you!!
THE COOKOUT:?To be invited to THE COOKOUT signifies being entrusted with a valued place at our table, within our community, and alongside our family. This invitation comes with a responsibility to respect the cultures present and nurture connections beyond this singular occasion. The event is free, and no special tickets are needed except your RSVP!?Check out highlights from last year and register?here.
Saucony will be serving a specialty mocktail, "Cheers To CommUnity," in celebration of our final CommUnity Run/Walk in Austin. Meanwhile, PYNRS will conclude their "Spin The Block" event nearby—so get your team of 3 ready to compete! They say prizes will be awarded for the best drip, best energy, and fastest speed!
Thursday All Day:
The RIDC booth is the place to be! Over the course of two days, our staff, board members, and community will be there, and we can't wait to see you. Stop by to meet with us, grab some resources, check out our merch, and enjoy exciting giveaways!
RIDC Champion Highlight: Young & Active Philly (YAP)
Our?next champion is Young & Active Philly (YAP), a fitness group in Philadelphia. Founded right before the start of the pandemic, YAP is a group that has grown organically by bringing people together to move their bodies and build community.
Through many activities such as running, tennis, and pickleball, as well as community building such as day trips out of the city or grabbing coffee, YAP is finding that everything is better with friends! We chatted with founder and leader Sunny Goklani and learned about the highs and lows of starting your own community from scratch.
RIDC Media & Events Round Up
What Else Is Happening In the Running Industry?
Check out Rising Hearts plans for the NYC marathon weekend, cheer on RIDC's charity team,?and catch our executive director moderating a panel on Saturday at 3:30 PM in the Expo!
New Running Group in Northwest Arkansas Aims to Build Community, Wellness for People of Color.?“I’ve always found therapy within running and moving my body around as a stress relief from day-to-day life. So I thought, why not bring that to friends, family and the community? So I decided, OK, let’s do a running group to promote mental wellbeing, physical well-being, all at the same time,” Huggins said.
5 Athletes Share Why There’s Never Been a Better Time to Be a Mom Who Runs—And What More the Industry Can Do. "Giving moms this kind of support isn’t just about allowing them to get the mental and physical?benefits of running?(even though that’s plenty important in its own right). But it could foster healthy habits in their kids, too."
Here's Why Running Shoes Frequently Come in Bold and Flashy Colors. "Bold colorways help athletic brands thrive in the?nearly $50 billion running shoe market.?Many people gravitate toward colorful sportswear for safety and style reasons, along with the (perceived) effects they have on speed. Can hyper violet shoes help you run hyper fast? Some consumers think so."
Running Industry Alliance Expands Retail Reach with Sport 2000 Group. "The aim of the new partnership is…?‘To enhance retail expertise learnings from international markets and to foster further growth opportunities within and for the running industry by working together.
"Congratulations to RIDC Board Member Tai Neal for winning the Community ICON Award at the Black Footwear Forum! Also, congratulations to Board Member Song Nguyen on launching "Pace of the East," a fitness group aimed at fostering an active Asian community in Charlotte and beyond.
Nominations are now being accepted for Running USA’s 2025 Industry Awards, which will be presented at the upcoming Industry Conference presented by haku in Louisville. The event will be held Feb. 2-4, 2025 at the Galt House Hotel.?Click here to learn more about Young & Active Philly on the RIDC blog!
On Monday, the RIDC will be closed to celebrate Indigenous Peoples' Day.
RIDC Jobs Round Up
Who's hiring? Check out our new 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.com ? @runningdiversity?? #Running4Diversity?