FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
B.A.A. Announces Boston Running Collaborative to Broaden Access
to the Sport of Running Across Greater Boston
B.A.A. to distribute $125,000 in unrestricted grants in coordination
with collaborative
BOSTON - The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced the
creation of the Boston Running Collaborative. The Boston Running
Collaborative is led by representatives from Greater Boston's running and
non-profit communities and will provide leadership, oversight, guidance,
and support in the formation of the Boston Running Collaborative Steering
Committee.
Expected to launch in January 2022, the Boston Running Collaborative is a
new initiative that will be comprised of organizations and individuals
committed to building a diverse Boston running community, improving health
and wellness, and expanding access to running and walking in Boston with a
focus on communities of color. It is the culmination of a year-long
dialogue with community leaders.
"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. We must be intentional to bring
greater representation and diversity to the sport and we recognize our role
as conveners of the collaborative to support that."
In addition to 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 guide 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.
"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. 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
leading up to the 125th Boston Marathon.
Additionally, the B.A.A. is proud to support the Road to Wellness 5K for
the seventh year through a contribution of $30,000. A community-based
collaboration between the Dimock Center, Hood Fit, and the B.A.A., the Road
to Wellness 5K is aimed at inspiring mind, body, and spiritual health
through fitness and exercise, while also celebrating Roxbury's history and
diverse culture.
"We're proud to be a founding partner of the Road to Wellness 5K, and have
watched the event grow over time," said Grilk. "The B.A.A. endeavors to
harness the spirit of the Boston Running Collaborative to identify models
like the Road to Wellness so we can continue to engage diverse communities
in running and walking."
Since 2015, the B.A.A. has partnered with The Dimock Center and Hood Fit to
help support the Road to Wellness 5K. The race is free for all
participants, helping break down any potential cost barriers that would
prohibit members of the community from participating. The 2021 Road to
Wellness is scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 11.
ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit
organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through
sports, especially running. The B.A.A.'s Boston Marathon is the world's
oldest annual marathon, and the organization manages other local events and
supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round running programs.
Since 1986, the principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon has been John
Hancock. The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors,
along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Berlin, Chicago, and
New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit
www.baa.org. For more information on the B.A.A. club, racing team and high
performance group, visit www.teambaa.org.
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