RIDC Media & Round Up February 2026

The lottery for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon is open now through February 25th. Run247 is sharing tips on how to apply for a spot in the race.

International run club, Girls on the Run, has now launched in Champaign, Ill. The group is for third-grade to fifth-grade girls, and its mission is to help young athletes develop physically and mentally. To date, they have served more than 1,600 girls in the area and continue to encourage them not only to join the sport but also to stay in it.

We were proud to see RIDC community member, Jackie Hoffman, honored with the 2026 Award of Excellence at this year’s Running USA event. The moment was made even more meaningful by remarks from Ricky Hughes of Saint Louis Run Crew, who spoke to Jackie’s leadership, the brotherhood they share, and the deep relationships Jackie has built across the running community. Congratulations Jackie!

Gen Z’s latest status symbol is running a marathon, and that’s terrible news for luxury brands. Gen Z is trading luxury status symbols for finish lines. Instead of aspiring to own designer bags, more young people are lacing up sneakers and signing up for races. Running’s lower barrier to entry and strong sense of community make it especially appealing for a generation navigating loneliness and looking for connection.

There is a misconception that running clubs are loud and take up too much space. However, run crews are actually carving out space—and making cities feel like home. Here’s why people tend to hate on run clubs and why you should join one despite what the haters are saying.

A running club at an Omaha prison taught perseverance, connection from the inside-out. The Omaha Run Crew hosted its inaugural half-marathon at The Omaha Correctional Center, with the fastest runner finishing in an hour and 26 minutes! The creation of the run club is making an impact on morale, brotherhood, and so much more. Check it out!