A Letter From the RUNGRL Founders

Birthdays and anniversaries are always times for reflection. Over the past four years, RUNGRL has been proud to give voice to and create space for Black women runners across the globe. In the words of Michelle Obama, "There's power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there's grace in being willing to know and hear others."

RUNGRL was built on a foundation based in the idea that in order to support and elevate the health and wellbeing of Black women, three basic things are needed:

Information, for those who want to know more about how to get started running or how to elevate their running journeys;
Inspiration, to show Black women (and the world) that they can and deserve to run and live well, for themselves and for their families; and
Celebration, to show love and support to the many Black women already out there hitting the streets, collecting “firsts” and breaking records.

Changing the narrative about what it means to be a runner may be unique to each individual; but with every story we share and every connection we create, the RUNGRL community grows and our bond deepens.

INFORMATION

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INFORMATION 〰️

Since our inception in 2018, we’ve run with you, our community, across major finish lines and achieved many goals. We pride ourselves on being a resource for runners, sharing relevant and reliable information on the running experience. From navigating injuries to managing natural hair for runners, we deliver the expert insights to make running accessible at all levels.

RUNGRL has both free and paid resources, like the 5K Hustle Training plan to help runners of all levels grow in their running journeys.

Our platform is proud to have partnered with Fleet Feet to share tips and insights on everything from cultivating a love for running to the latest in hot-grl run gear. This year, we curated a special video series called “On the Run With RUNGRL,” featuring some of our community on common issues facing our runners, including running safety, the mental side of running and the importance of an accountability partner. Each video features real runners sharing personal stories and perspectives.

Another important feature we thought the running community needed was a place for expert advice. In our ongoing series, “The Relay”, in partnership with premiere footwear brand HOKA, we’ve talked to top running coaches and pro runners to share our best tips for technical improvements and powering through your runs.

We pride ourselves on both the free and paid resources we provide on everything from easy-to-follow monthly challenges to full-on race training programs to provide step-by-step details on leveling up your running game.

INSPIRATION

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INSPIRATION 〰️

This ‘GRLs RUN TOGETHER Guide’ shares step-by-step keys to starting your own circle of runners.

For four years now, we’ve been working to combat the underrepresentation of Black women distance runners.

“It’s hard to be what you can’t see,” and so we hope that everything we share can potentially inspire someone to lace up to run for the first time, or to return after a hiatus.

It’s been empowering to witness the joy our running community gets from seeing images of women just like them who are running everything from 5Ks to ultramarathons. They’re starting their own communities of runners using our free “GRLs Run Together Guide.” Creating connections as running accountability partners and new friendships form through running is what we’re all about. From articles on finding a running partner to videos sharing the good, bad and ugly sides of running together, we’re sharing real perspectives of ‘that run life’ from people who share your experiences as Black women runners.

If you’re looking for a more personal track to log, our kickstart to planning a running routine, “My Running Vision 14-Day Planner” was launched at the start of this year. In this free resource, we assist in structuring a day-by-day plan for runners to improve their goals with actionable activities. We’re honored to help you build the fitness vision you have for your life.

CELEBRATION

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CELEBRATION 〰️

What makes RUNGRL most special is the growing community of RUNGRLs that make us a family. It’s the head nod when you see another runner like yourself on the race course and the encouragement you shout, “I see you!” to a fellow runner on the road. Each run and each runner matters, and we’re here to remind you of that.

One of our favorite ways to connect to our community is through our in-real-life events and activations, where we get the change to see and hear from our RUNGRLs live and in person. From running meetups, to race weekend workshops, to ‘Sip and Stretch’ yoga-for-runners classes, we love to get the GRLs together and share the love.

Everyone deserves to feel comfortable and celebrated as runners and enjoy highlighting the diversity within our running community, Black women of all ages, body types and skill levels sharing their views. In this vein, we made an exciting new introduction to Jordynn West, the 15-year-old track and cross-country athlete with eyes on the 2028 olympics who is setting the pace for the next generation of runners.

Then, for Women’s History Month this year, we highlighted our personal connections to the sport with a meaningful project, with support from our partners at HOKA. RUNGRL produced an incredible series called “Legacy of Movement” which highlighted the indomitable spirits of the women in our lives and in our families who introduced us to fitness. This sentimental series of interviews and portraits depicts the generational impact of women on the health and wellness of their communities and families. It was truly a moving movement to share the power of our community in such a beautiful and authentic way.

Running is a celebration of possibilities, from the first step on the pavement to the hugs and cheers at the finish line. As our community grows, we’d like to thank you for joining us on this incredible journey to share our unique stories authentically and enthusiastically.

On behalf of the RUNGRL fam, we look forward to going even greater distances with our RUNGRLs in the years to come.

Yours in Miles,

RUNGRL

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RUNGRL Turns Four: Cheers to Community, Wellness and Running Proudly as Black Women