The Women Behind RIDC: Builders, Changemakers & Leaders
Running Industry Diversity Coalition
Envisioning a running industry committed to racial justice where people of color are welcomed, valued, and amplified.
Five years ago, the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) was just an idea, fueled by the urgent need to address systemic racism and create a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable running industry. Since its launch, everything the RIDC has done has been rooted in its mission and five core values: love of running, antiracism, power shifting, learning and self-reflection, transparency, and action.
For Women's History Month, we celebrate our progress and the incredible women who helped lay the foundation for this organization. Some of these 45 women leaders, advisors, changemakers, and community builders stood with us from the beginning, while others joined us along the way. They all continue to help the RIDC make an impact, whether through the coalition itself or in their own work. Their vision, dedication, and action have shaped the RIDC and what it will become.
Ahead of celebrating five years of impact later this year, we honor their contributions and the collective power of their work in making the running industry—both the sport and the business—a space where everyone can participate and everyone belongs.
?Special Note: The complete list of all 45 women can be found on our website at runningdiversity.com. This list could have expanded to 75 or 100 women, thanks to the countless advocates in brands, race events, retailers, run clubs, nonprofits, and beyond who have championed our work both publicly and behind the scenes. This honor is shared with them as well.
?? Discover the Trails with the RIDC: A Free Intro to Trail Running Program! We're seeking BIPOC runners of all experience levels who are eager to explore trail running. Learn more and apply by March 21. Please help spread word!
?? Check out the RIDC's Community Events Calendar! Want to stay informed about upcoming RIDC events or key happenings across the running and outdoor space? Our online calendar now serves as a central hub for exactly that. Plus, you can submit events that align with the RIDC mission directly on the page.
?? We are incredibly grateful to Charlotte Running Company for their generous support of the RIDC at their annual Community Unity Cookout. They recently raised nearly $5,000 for the RIDC. Contributions like this are critical to advancing our mission to unite the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.
?? RIDC Board member, Sergio Avila, recently joined Black Men Run TURF (Trail and Ultra Running Fanatics) in Phoenix at a local running event. Check out his blog post about his experience on the RIDC website!
The Trail Running Film Festival is back with an incredible lineup—featuring powerful stories told by BIPOC filmmakers and showcasing BIPOC runners front and center. This is storytelling from the lens of the communities we serve. Check it out! (Artwork by Simone Martin-Newberry)
Running Insight released their list of 25 Women to Watch in Run Specialty in 2025! Ambitious, entrepreneurial and energized, these women are prepared to leave their mark on the run specialty industry this year. We see a few women on this list that we admire. Congrats to our own Kiera Smalls and Kathy Dalby, and all the other women highlighted!
?“Running USA is calling on runners worldwide to participate in its 2025 Global Runner Survey, the most comprehensive annual study of the running community. This year, respondents will have the chance to win entries to four premier running events or one premium treadmill, making participation more rewarding than ever.”
Merrell has named Richard McLeod as chief marketing officer. He will lead Merrell's global marketing and direct the creation of integrated marketing capabilities. “Rich is widely recognized as a consumer-obsessed leader and builder of talent with a track record of growing brands through strong consumer demand creation and retail execution."
The SOLEcial Studies CommUNITY Academy (SSCA), America's first sneaker business and culture academy, is hosting a course titled SOLEcial Studies: Strictly For The Ladies. Scholarship opportunities are available.
?? March 8th, 2025 - Carlsbad, AZ
Carlsbad 5000 & MEB Foundation's Pizza Port Relays – An Event for LA Fire Relief - More Info
?? March 9th, 2025 - Austin, TX
Register for the Remaining Native X Nike Running Community 5K - More Info
?? May 3rd, 2025 - Nationwide
The AAPI 5K is hosting 5Ks across the country for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - More Info
?? May 24th, 2025 - Charlotte, NC
Join Pace of the East for their APINHDA Month Walking Event - More Info
Looking for a job? Check out the latest openings from our member organizations in the running industry and consider this page your go-to resource. When you apply for a role, remember to mention that you found the opportunity through the RIDC!
Follow us on Instagram @RunningDiversity #Running4Diversity
Visit us online at www.runningdiversity.com
The Running Industry Diversity Coalition is a 501(c)(3). EIN:?86-3565348
When you see?the term BIPOC throughout RIDC materials, we are talking about Black, Indigenous, and People of Color.