Blog: For us, Global Running Day looked different

Today is Global Running Day - but instead of taking the day to celebrate our community, we dedicated the day collaborating with Black employees at Fleet Feet Chicago to take decisive steps together to fight against racism, police brutality, and injustice.

We had to address and own the fact that we have not been the best ally before we could begin to address the issue, which is this:

We understand that systemic racism has existed for centuries and we stand in support for those demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, countless others, and those who are searching for answers.

While listening to the Black voices within our company, we committed to taking these first steps:

• Fleet Feet has made a donation of $6,000 to NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and $6,000 to Black Girls Run.
• Fleet Feet Chicago has donated an additional $2,500 to each of the above charities, respectively.
• We are currently actively working to partner with Black organizations fighting social and racial injustice for our Charity of the Month program which raises money within our seven retail stores.
• We have instituted two days of volunteer time off (VTO) policy that full-time employees can use to volunteer for social causes.
• We will internally promote and find diverse talent that reflects the Fleet Feet Chicago running community.
• We’ve added mandatory inclusion and diversity training for all employees.

Lastly, it’s true two of our stores were broken into over the weekend and we communicated that information for operational purposes only. While we appreciate the outpouring support and kindness, we will bounce back. Please direct your thoughts and resources to those who are continuously failed by our justice system.

We ask that for #GlobalRunningDay, you run while practicing social distancing, and set your intention for the run on these simple principles  – peace, kindness, and how you as an individual can be a part of the change. Find one thing that you can do to help the world move forward with inclusivity and love.

#RunningChangesEverything

#RunningChangesEverything