Photo by RUNGRL Design. Note: This image features AI-generated elements.

by RUNGRL Staff

The month of April is significant for RUNGRL, as it marks our sixth year as a wellness brand dedicated to the representation and celebration of Black women in running. We’ve grown from a small group of friends with a shared passion for running at our founding in 2018, to a leading wellness and media brand today with a global audience.

We know “it’s hard to be what you can’t see", and that’s why the RUNGRL brand is dedicated to the representation and celebration of Black women’s wellness—both on the race course and everywhere else.

London Excitement

RUNGRL will commemorate our 6th anniversary by taking on the 2024 TCS London marathon. Our six founders will be turning miles into magic in London Town. Five marathon runners and one running cheerleader will join some of the world’s most amazing runners for a good time, and a long run.

RUNGRL first went to London as a still newly-formed media and wellness collective in 2020, to participate in a global campaign with Nike in honor of Black History Month. That amazing experience left us with high hopes of making our mark in the wellness space, but just as the year was filling with promise, so many plans were put on hold due to the global pandemic.

However, the pandemic had a unique effect—a new perspective which helped RUNGRL take advantage of this time to level up their goals and offerings to audiences that leaned into online platforms for information and inspiration on how to stay well.

We’ve since been honored to inspire countless Black women to live healthier, happier lives, as the communities we foster are built around support and inclusion. Empowered by amazing partners, we work to authentically connect this growing audience of current and aspiring fitness enthusiasts to the brands, products, and resources that will power their wellness journeys.

Now in 2024, the GRLs are back together again in London, but with a new agenda. All six founders are crossing the Pond–five runners and one on the support team–to take on 26.2 together, stronger and more determined than ever before.

Why We Run

Marathoners always have a WHY to help push through weeks and months of hard work and prepare for the ultimate, 26.2-mile test, and this group is no exception. Over the past few months, they’re put in work on the road, in the gym, and with their friends to show up at their best. Learn about why London is such a big deal for RUNGRL’s founders:

RUNGRL Founders in London, January 2020.

Natalie Robinson, Co-founder and Chief Digital Officer - “After years of resisting peer pressure, I finally gave in and decided to pursue the marathon. I luckily scored a bib (thanks to the connects!) and things felt aligned and the timing was right. In the back of my mind, I knew I could do it but fear was holding me back, so this is my time.”

Ashlee Green, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer - “I’m running this marathon because literally all my friends are doing it. And, of course, running an international world major marathon was on my bucket list after having run the New York City Marathon and the Chicago Marathon.”

Stephani Franklin, Co-founder and Chief Brand Officer - “My ‘why’ is kind of selfish, and really comes down to wanting to have something for myself this year, a goal that only I can contribute to and benefit from. I wanted something to remind me of my own power, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.”

Jasmine Nesi, Co-founder and Chief Operations Officer - “Peer pressure is crazy and London is impossible to get into. So, when the opportunity presented itself, I couldn’t say ‘no’!”

Dominique Burton, Co-founder and Chief Experience Officer - “Honestly, I felt like, ‘why not?’. I’ve been on my journey to complete all six Abbot World Marathon Majors, and my good friends are running, too. Could there be a better reason?! This will be a fun, enjoyable race that isn’t focused on time [for me], but more so on strength and smiles. I’m here for the vibes.”

Na’Tasha Jones, Co-founder and Chief Content Officer - “The pandemic did a number on my my running confidence. Seeing so many of my friends commit to marathon training this season has inspired me to get back out there myself. London will be an opportunity to show gratitude to my running friends and flex my greatest running strength: as a cheerleader.”

Together, we hope this journey will serve as an inspiring reminder that anything is possible when you set your mind to it. When Black women come together, we are an unstoppable force.

Be sure to catch all the fun, sweat and tears on the RUNGRL’s Instagram. We hope you’ll follow along and send daps, hugs and virtual love, as we represent this great big moment in London.

Lace up and Let’s get it!

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