The Running Industry Diversity Coalition's vision is to see and experience a running industry committed to racial justice where Black, Indigenous, and other people of color are welcomed, valued, and amplified.
Learn more about RIDC’s early days and our vision for the future of running below!
“We still remember the earliest conversations around the forming of the RIDC, including the urgency, the spirit, and the small band of individuals who immediately provided leadership and vision. Justice and equity are very important to us, and while our focus has always been on being a by and for-women company, we know that you can't have gender justice without racial justice. Since those earliest days, RIDC has made a massive impact not only on the industry but the broader world of sports and American culture."
- Sally and Atsuko, original Oiselle leadership
Our History
JULY 2020
Held First Meeting!
OCTOBER 2020
Hosted A Public Launch + First Workshop: 'A Talk About Race'
OCTOBER 2021
Completed A 5 Year Strategic Plan With Fait La Force Strategies
NOVEMBER 2021
Attended The Running Event For The First Time, The Largest Tradeshow For Retailers
DECEMBER 2021
Launched Executive Director Search
JANUARY 2022
Initiated Employment Research Project with Bentley University on the State of Racial Diversity in the Running Industry
FEBRUARY 2022
Reached 1,000 Members Committed to Advancing Racial Justice Both Personally and Professionally
MARCH 2022
Hired First Executive Director, Kiera Smalls (from the great city of Philadelphia)
JUNE 2022
Launched Second Research Project with Bentley University on Barriers to Trail Running for BIPOC groups (at the request of brands)
The journey continues…
“As we work to improve diverse representation across all levels of our organization, we recognize the important opportunity RIDC presents New Balance to drive dialogue and best practices that will result in meaningful action for the running industry.”
- Melissa Worth, Senior Vice President, North America for New Balance Athletics