Our response on ending systemic racism

We are ready to take decisive steps to create a running community that’s inclusive, respectful, and accessible to all. To be better allies. To understand where we can be better ourselves. To speak up. To be an agent of change.

We know that effective and sustainable change does not come from short bursts of platitudes; rather, it requires stamina, humility, empathy, and resources.

More importantly, long-lasting, positive change demands insight and perspective from experiences and voices outside of our own. The responsibility lies with us to seek those voices out, and then engage, listen, and work together to create a space that is more inclusive, representative, and accessible for all.

By starting where we have the chance of making the biggest impact—our running communities—we intend to create sustainable change that extends far beyond our current sphere of influence.
This is our commitment to you, and we will make good on that promise through our actions to come.

OUR NEXT STEP
Today we announce our next step: a donation of $18,000, and counting, split between two organizations committed to advancing equality and creating resources for the black community.
These collective donations will come from both our corporate office and franchise owners across the country, and go specifically to the following organizations:

BLACK GIRLS RUN!
Black women have the highest rates of obesity in the U.S. Black Girls RUN! wants to change that through running, and provides resources, encouragement, and community to its members to help make fitness and healthy living a priority. Funds from the donation will be earmarked for their local communities across the country to empower and equip their members with the resources to start running, including gear and training.

NAACP LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND, INC.
The NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Inc. (LDF) is the leading legal organization fighting for racial justice. LDF works to create a world of inclusion, equality and justice through litigation, advocacy and public education. Donations help LDF win landmark legal battles, protect voters across the nation, and advance the cause of racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society.

If you'd like to join us in supporting either of these organizations, please visit blackgirlsrun.com, naacpldf.org or fleetfeet.com/catalogs/our-next-step.