Boston Running Collaborative Created To Promote Inclusion

BOSTON — The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has created the Boston Running Collaborative.

With an expected launch in January 2022, the Boston Running Collaborative is a new initiative compromised of organizations and individuals committed to building a diverse Boston running community while improving health and wellness.

The Boston Running Collaborative is led by representatives from Greater Boston's running and non-profit communities to provide leadership, oversight, guidance, and support in the formation of the Boston Running Collaborative Steering Committee.

After a year-long conversation with community leaders, the Boston Running Collaborative says they want to expand access to running and walking in Boston with a focus on communities of color.

"The B.A.A. has a long history of community programming that engages athletes of all ages and abilities," said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. President and C.E.O. "The Boston Running Collaborative builds on our commitment to racial justice and our vision of a world where all people can access and benefit from running and an active lifestyle."

Along with Grilk, the Boston Running Collaborative Steering Committee includes the B.A.A.'s Director of Youth and Community Engagement, Suzanne Walmsley, and Director of Athletic Programs, Wayne Levy. The Steering Committee is also comprised of five community leaders:

• Adrienne Benton, Member of the National Black Marathoners Association and Black Girls Run!
• Sherman Hart, Manager of Track & Field, Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center
• Thaddeus Miles, Director of Community Services at MassHousing and founder of Hood Fit
• Kamilah Rowe, Former Head Track and Field Coach at John D. O’Bryant High School
• Ruben Sança, 2012 Olympian and Assistant Athletics Director for Administration at UMass Lowell

The Steering Committee will help drive the development of the Boston Running Collaborative, engaging individuals and community organizations in identifying, developing, and prioritizing running and walking initiatives.

"During these times of increased diversity, equity, and inclusion awareness, we often talk about being invited to the dance and being asked to dance. This collaborative takes it a step further," said Thaddeus Miles, Director of Community Services at MassHousing and founder of Hood Fit. "Providing a sense of belonging, where others and I get to plan the dance and decide if we should have a dance. I'm excited about the substantial impact and change we can make as a collective."

The B.A.A says they will also increase financial support for organizations whose missions focus on expanding access to running and walking for youth and/or adults of color.

In honor of the running of the 125th Boston Marathon, and in consultation with the Boston Running Collaborative Steering Committee, the B.A.A. will give $125,000 in unrestricted grants to organizations that have engaged with the B.A.A. in this work. The grants will be announced bbefore the 125th Boston Marathon.