BIPOC Led Michigan Run GroupsÂ
WeRun313
The largest and fastest growing run club in the state, Detroit’s WeRun313 began a mission in 2019 to connect individuals through running and in doing so, build a healthier, happier community. Now with over 2,300 members and counting, they’ve not only built a stronger community, but also strong relationships, awareness, and a culture that changes the narrative of running communities not including people of color.
Run This Town Kalamazoo
Formed in Gazelle Sports' hometown, Run This Town Kalamazoo is a seasonal fitness community (powered by Armond Rashad & Carmen James) that inspires us to keep moving during the summer months.
S.T.A.R.S.
Sisters Taking Action Reversing Statistics was created by Aliya Armstrong in an effort to tackle the alarmingly high rates of obesity and related health issues in African-American women. What started as a healthy church competition and a race with her daughter turned into a movement, and a mission: to encourage women and moms, especially those of color, to make health and fitness a priority.
BIPOC Owned and Led Brands In-Store
Saysh
Saysh
Olympic Champion, Allyson Felix, saw disparities in the footwear industry and decided to make a stylish and functional footwear line of her own. By women, for women, Gazelle Sports is proud to be one of the very select nation-wide retailers to offer Saysh in-store.
Olympic Champion, Allyson Felix, saw disparities in the footwear industry and decided to make a stylish and functional footwear line of her own. By women, for women, Gazelle Sports is proud to be one of the very select nation-wide retailers to offer Saysh in-store.
PYNRS
PYNRS
Led by founder Sid Baptista, PYNRS is on a mission to reshape the running industry by centering the experiences of people of color in product development, marketing, storytelling and by bringing Black ownership to an industry where it doesn’t exist. Championing community, culture and diversity through highly technical running apparel rooted in streetwear design concepts; we are proud to carry PYNRS in select Gazelle Sports locations starting Feb 17.
Led by founder Sid Baptista, PYNRS is on a mission to reshape the running industry by centering the experiences of people of color in product development, marketing, storytelling and by bringing Black ownership to an industry where it doesn’t exist. Championing community, culture and diversity through highly technical running apparel rooted in streetwear design concepts; we are proud to carry PYNRS in select Gazelle Sports locations starting Feb 17.
Seirus
Seirus
Seirus founders Mike Carey and Joe Edwards are no strangers to making physical activity not just a pastime but a lifestyle. Grounded in collaboration, Seirus’ philosophy nurtures an environment where diverse minds unite to craft exceptional outdoor gear. Their dedication to cultivating a welcoming space for everyone, urging contribution, fostering growth and empowering unique expressions of their shared values make us proud to carry their premium products.
Seirus founders Mike Carey and Joe Edwards are no strangers to making physical activity not just a pastime but a lifestyle. Grounded in collaboration, Seirus’ philosophy nurtures an environment where diverse minds unite to craft exceptional outdoor gear. Their dedication to cultivating a welcoming space for everyone, urging contribution, fostering growth and empowering unique expressions of their shared values make us proud to carry their premium products.
Organizations and Events to Keep an Eye On
RIDC
The RIDC was formed with the recognition that a united front to inspire change was necessary to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in the running industry. Through learning (as well as unlearning), and ongoing efforts, the RIDC and its members are working together to increase equitable employment, leadership, ownership, vendor partnerships, representation and more, with the vision of a running industry free of racial injustice and accessible to all – an industry where black, indigenous, and people of color are not just welcomed and valued, but amplified.
SHE RUNS GRAND RAPIDS
Great things are on the horizon for SHE RUNS Grand Rapids, including the addition of a new race director, whose commitment to collaborating with BIPOC/female led vendors and organizations is changing the industry. Stay tuned for more on these exciting updates by following SHE RUNS Grand Rapids on Instagram and Facebook!