Coalition forms to fight racism in running industry
A coalition of running brands, running retailers and runners have come together to form the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC), which is dedicated to ending systemic racism in its own industry and community.
The coalition is led by co-chairs Alison Mariella Désir, founder of Harlem Run and Run 4 All Women, and Chris Lampen-Crowell, co-owner of Gazelle Sports.
“I have been in the running industry for eight years and I have always known there are not a lot of people who look like me, and the sport is not as inclusive as people claim it to be,” said Ms Désir. “This is an opportunity to help folks in power change the systems that make it that way — to finally open up running.”
RIDC partners commit to goals in the areas of “creating opportunities for discussion that listen to marginalised people in this space”; “building deep industry reflection to uncover and name the systems of racism” within businesses, the running community and the culture of running; “increasing authentic representation in stories, images, marketing, athletes, ambassadors and product wear-test/feedback”; and more.
Leadership committee partners include John Benedict, Playmakers, Running Industry Association president; Martha Garcia, Hoke One One’s director of global brand creative and communications; Robyn Goby, Fleet Feet’s VP of development; Verna Volker of Native Women Running; Shannon Woods, Brooks’ senior manager of diversity, equity and inclusion; and Teresa Baker, co-founder of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge.
Funding for the establishment of the coalition was provided by grants from Brooks and Hoka One One.
