RIDC Media & Round Up September 2025
Photo via Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times
Seattle’s Free 2 Fly run club fills a gap for visually impaired runners. Launched by Ixchel Lemus-Bromley, the group connects each runner with at least one guide. The group — which held its first meetup in May and has since grown to 75 members, including 15 visually impaired persons and 60 trained sighted guides.
The Psychology of Your 20’s Podcast recently released its episode “The Psychology of Run Clubs,” which explores the quiet psychology of run clubs and why so many of us are drawn to group movement. Whether you’re a dedicated runner or someone who wonders why your local park is flooded with run enthusiasts, check it out to learn more!
“When I came back to Chicago, I realized we didn’t really have something that met weekly, specifically that was more lesbian-led and trans-led. I knew that I had a few queer running friends that also voiced interest and passion of wanting to start something like this, so we kind of combined our heads.” Vanessa Righeimer founded Out There Run Club, centered on LGBTQ+ and transgender athletes, to unite runners, walkers, and even occasional swimmers.
Rapper Gunna is a runna! The artist recently launched his new run club, Wunna Run Club, on September 3rd with a 5K race in New York City. Gunna has spent the last two years on a powerful physical and mental transformation, and now he’s inviting you to run alongside him and commit to your own journey toward better health and wellness.
“No matter how bad you think you are at running, the only way to improve is by getting out there and trying.” Evelyn Lau shares her experience of joining a run club for the first time, what she learned, and why she would do it again. Check out her story to see the benefits you may enjoy by running in community with others.
New research revealed at Switchback Spring 2025 shows an outdoor industry in flux with an increasingly diverse consumer base that includes more casual participants. The 2025 Outdoor Participation Trends Report was produced by Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) and Outdoor Foundation, and OIA’s Research Director, Kelly Davis, shared highlights of the report during the conference.
Brian Beckstead, co-founder of the running shoe brand Altra, joins the Shakeout Podcast for a conversation about his journey in the sport, recapping how his years-long struggle with recurring injuries and a decade-plus of experience in the run specialty retail world combined to form the kernel of Altra’s innovative approach to shoe design.