Celebrating a RUN THE BLOCK Milestone: Haraka Run and Walk Opens in Prince George’s County
The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) is deeply proud to celebrate the grand opening of Haraka Run and Walk, the inaugural recipient of RIDC’s RUN THE BLOCK grant!
When Carol and Jesse Holland looked at the running retail landscape of Prince George's County, Maryland, they saw something striking. Not what was there, but what wasn't. Montgomery County had four running specialty stores. Washington, D.C. had five. Fairfax County had ten. Prince George's County, home to nearly one million residents and an estimated 150,000 runners and walkers, had zero.
That changed on December 26, 2025, when Haraka Run and Walk opened its doors at 5501 Baltimore Avenue in Hyattsville, becoming Prince George's County's first-ever running specialty store.
Now, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, Haraka celebrates its official grand opening with a ribbon-cutting and a full weekend of community events. The timing is no coincidence. Opening during Black History Month, a store named after the Swahili word for "speed," run by two accomplished Black professionals and veterans who grew up in the very community they're serving — it's a statement.
The store carries a full lineup of premium footwear — Brooks, Nike, Hoka, ASICS, Saucony, On, New Balance, and Altra — along with insoles, performance socks, running bras, apparel, and exclusive Haraka-branded gear. But what sets Haraka apart isn't just the product selection. It's the commitment to making running and walking genuinely accessible to everyone: first-time walkers, seasoned marathoners, and everyone in between.
Grand Opening Weekend Details
The celebration kicks off Saturday, February 21st, at 11:00 AM with a ribbon cutting. Events throughout the weekend include:
Pre-Grand Opening Fun Run on the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail, departing from the store
Shoe Demos featuring Brooks, Altra, ASICS, and more — with brand representatives on-site
Local Run Club Fair with representatives from clubs throughout Prince George's County and the DMV
Giveaways and Discounts throughout the weekend
The store is located in the Shoppes at the Arts District in Hyattsville, near Busboys and Poets, right off Route 1. Store hours are Tuesday–Saturday 10 AM–7 PM and Sunday Noon–5 PM. Click here to register!
If you cannot visit the store in person, you can still support Haraka Run and Walk by shopping online and sharing with others.