What Kind of Leader Do You Want to Be?
Running Industry Diversity Coalition
Envisioning a running industry committed to racial justice where people of color are welcomed, valued, and amplified.
Dear RIDC Community,
How much more could we accomplish if we came together—and stayed together—to see and experience a running industry committed to racial justice where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are welcomed, valued, and amplified?
As we approach the close of an incredible year at the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, I reflect on a question often asked by a former white male board member?and co-founder, a question he continually asks himself as he commits to racial justice work: “What kind of leader do I want to be?”
In times of uncertainty and pain for the communities we serve, leaders are called to consider their roles carefully and reflect on how they can contribute to positive change—acknowledging the struggles and injustices that Black, Indigenous, and People of Color face, especially in today’s climate, this moment invites us to be introspective, thoughtful, and purposeful. Whether in the running industry or beyond, we can use our voices, dollars, and influence to support these communities. If you are reading this email, we know you are—or can be—part of the solution.
There are many ways to lead in this work. You may see yourself as a financial contributor, guiding others toward racial justice, and/or as an advocate who pushes for hard conversations at every level. Maybe you’re a visionary, completely reimagining our collective approach for the industry.
At the RIDC, we've made progress toward our mission of uniting the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.?
Your support enabled us to:
These efforts mark significant milestones as we approach our fifth anniversary next year. But as we look to 2025 and beyond, the stakes are even higher to achieve the RIDC mission. With your support, we can grow this impact and continue to shape the industry we want to see and be part of. Please consider making a donation to the RIDC today.
Every contribution—$5 or $50,000—helps us fund critical programs and expand our reach to further our mission. By supporting the RIDC today, you’re running with us to create new pathways and break down barriers for millions of runners, entrepreneurs, and leaders.
Here are three easy ways to give:
Make checks payable to:
Running Industry Diversity Coalition
105 Marysville Mall #1028
Marysville, WA 98270
Donate online:
Company contribution:
Become an annual partner of the RIDC and increase your support through employee matching or unrestricted corporate contributions.
Final note: Thank you to everyone who recently checked in on us and our organization. As a Black woman, data shows I am doing my part. And this week, I got to watch my nephew enter the world. I am even more fired up to keep doing what needs to be done—for this country, this industry, and the next generation. And I hope you will, too.
To communities of color: we see you the most.
In service with you,
Kiera Smalls, Executive Director, RIDC, and the RIDC Team RIDC Updates
TCS New York City Marathon Recap
Repeat after us: Joy is an act of resistance. Joy is an act of resistance. Joy is an act of resistance.
What an incredible weekend for the RIDC community and the streets of NYC! At the TCS New York City Marathon , we connected, learned, and celebrated our shared passion for running and resilience. Our panel on ownership and our Executive Director's keynote talk with the race’s corporate partners were inspiring successes, featuring powerful insights and engaging discussions.
Also, we couldn't be more proud of Team RIDC!?This was?our first time organizing a charity team for a race, and we were?thrilled to?have six dedicated individuals participate. Each of them?raised awareness and funds for our organization's mission while participating in this iconic marathon. They made their fundraising goal for us and made it to the finish line!
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your energy and support made last weekend one for the books.?Check out our photos from the weekend.
Setting the Pace: The Running Industry Diversity Coalition’s Plans During TRE 2024
With many RIDC stakeholders under one roof, we facilitate a series of events and discussions at TRE in service of the RIDC mission. You do not want to miss what we have planned!?
Tuesday 9:30 AM, Hilton Austin Salon F (Open to all brands and retailers) Deep Dive: "The Future of Run Specialty from the RIDC Lens: Relevance and Consumer Loyalty." 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.
Thank you in advance to our presenters: ASICS , WeRun313 , Charm City Run , 新百伦 , Black Girls RUN! , Brooks Running , Charlotte Running Co. , Damon Brown, GU Energy Labs , RISING HEARTS , HOKA , Especial, The Exchange Running Collective , On , and 6RUN5.
Wednesday, 6:00 AM,?Corner of E. 4th St + Trinity Street (RSVP) CommUnity Run/Walk, powered by Saucony. Join us for 2.5 miles on an?out-and-back course. Since the Trail of Lights won’t be open yet, we’ll wrap up our last run in Austin at the Hilton, enjoying lite snacks and good vibes.
Wednesday, 3:00 PM, Training Camp Theater?Insightful discussion and workshop from organizational and athlete perspectives on what it takes to go beyond a one time opportunity, creating meaningful relationships rooted in reciprocity and spaces where we see ourselves. Hosted by Rising Hearts and moderated by RIDC board member Sergio Avila.
Wednesday, 6:00 PM, Brazos Hall Rooftop (Waitlist-only?RSVP) Join us for THE COOKOUT, hosted by the RIDC—a space for communities of color and engaged allies of the RIDC mission to connect, dance, fundraise, and celebrate culture. Bring your energy, and meet us and 500 friends on the dance floor!
Want to run before you party? Register for SPIN THE BLOCK, happening right before this event.
Wednesday and Thursday The RIDC booth will be the place to be. We’ll feature interactive elements like Myths vs. Reality, new RIDC gear, and onsite membership sign-ups. Find us at booth #913, located next to Bandit Running and across the aisle from On.
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(In a previous newsletter, we said you would be able to meet the RIDCxOnxTRE scholarship recipients in this email. But you will meet them during and after TRE instead.)
RIDC Media & Events Round Up
What Else Is Happening in the Running Industry?
How Kiera Smalls and Harry Chandler Are Working Through Obstacles to Create a More Equitable Running Industry, "Both Smalls and Chandler play significant roles in specialty run retail. Chandler, one of the industry’s few Black storeowners, is a respected voice in the ever-important channel. As for Smalls, her efforts include the Run the Block mentoring, education and grant program that was announced in January. This effort will provide Black, Indigenous and People of Color with support to open a store."
'Shark Tank' investors sign deal with Texas-based cardio app, "Destin George Bell pitched his Austin-based running app Card.io to the sharks, who are made up of longtime show investors Kevin O’Leary, Mark Cuban, Lori Greiner and Daymond John, as well as guest shark Rashaun Williams."?Side note: .Sisters Lisa and Xenia Raye Make History with NIL Deal with On Running.?These young ladies have shattered barriers, becoming the first sprinters to sign a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal with On Running. Known for their speed, talent, and dedication, these sisters are blazing a trail in collegiate athletics and redefining sponsorship standards in track and field.
The Running Event and Running Industry Diversity Coalition Celebrate Four Years of Partnership Focused on Inclusivity and Community Building. “RIDC has been a driving force in helping us cultivate a more inclusive environment at The Running Event,” said Christina Henderson, Event Director, The Running Event. “Their ongoing partnership has made a profound impact, inspiring meaningful change not only at TRE but within the brands and retailers we serve. As we look ahead to TRE 2024 and beyond, we’re excited to continue this collaboration and advance inclusivity and diversity within our industry and communities.”
Bringing Back the Grounded Podcast: A New Chapter for Indigenous Runners. NYRR Contributors Circle member, Dinee Dorame is bringing back her podcast to further the conversations that explore the connection between land, Indigenous culture, and the sport of running.
Happy Native American Heritage Month. Join the RIDC in celebrating the rich heritage, resilience, and lasting contributions of Indigenous and Native American communities this month and forever.
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 People of Color.
Till next time,
Running Industry Diversity Team?
runningdiversity.com ? @runningdiversity?? #Running4Diversity?