CARRBORO, N.C. (Feb. 1, 2024) — Fleet Feet, the largest franchisor of specialty run stores, announced today its fourth annual Share the Run Challenge. Fleet Feet is partnering with Black Girls RUN! (BGR!) and Saucony to inspire communities to move, promote active allyship and raise funds for BGR!.
Throughout the challenge – which runs the entire month of February – participants can pick any distance to complete, with the collective goal to walk or run 24,902 miles – equivalent to running around the world once. Logging miles during the challenge is easy, and participants are encouraged to share their progress on social media using the hashtag #SharetheRunChallenge24.
“We believe running has the ability to change lives, and hosting a nationwide event with Saucony and Black Girls RUN! that encourages people to get outside is our way of creating momentum towards positive change,” said Joey Pointer, president and CEO of Fleet Feet. “This is the fourth year we’ve partnered with BGR! to promote the power of movement throughout February, which naturally aligns with and supports their mission of empowering women from diverse backgrounds to lead healthy lives.”
Originally founded to tackle the growing obesity epidemic in the African-American community and provide encouragement and resources to both new and veteran runners, Black Girls RUN! has become a strong voice in the running community for previously underrepresented women. Since its inception, Fleet Feet has raised more than $65,000 for BGR! through the annual Share the Run Challenge.
“We believe every woman, regardless of race or background, should have the opportunity to lead a healthy and active lifestyle,” said Jay Ell Alexander, the owner and CEO of Black Girls RUN! “Events like Share the Run help break down stereotypes and barriers, encourage inclusivity, and empower women of color to embrace the joy of running.”
Registration for the Share the Run Challenge is free, and participants can sign up on the official website here. In addition to the collective goal, participants completing their personal distance goals will receive a finisher reward of $10 off a purchase of $50 or more at their local Fleet Feet store. Participants will also be entered to win additional prizes from Saucony.
For more than 47 years, Fleet Feet owners, operating partners, and employees have created welcoming environments that allow runners, walkers, and fitness enthusiasts of all abilities to conquer their goals at every level, on every surface, at every distance with personalized solutions, knowledge, and empowerment. Fleet Feet’s nationwide network of community-based retail stores are a place of inspiration, showing people how Running Changes Everything®.
Learn more about the Share the Run Challenge here.
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About Fleet Feet
Founded in 1976, Fleet Feet is the largest franchisor of locally owned and operated run specialty stores. With more than 260 locations in 40 states and a national headquarters in Carrboro, N.C., Fleet Feet is committed to providing runners, walkers and fitness enthusiasts with outfitting expertise, robust training programs, community support and rewards. Fleet Feet believes that RUNNING CHANGES EVERYTHING® and has been recognized in Fast Company’s Brands That Matter List, and Inc.’s Best in Business List and PRWeek’s Purpose Awards. Stay inspired, motivated and connected at Fleet Feet.
About Black Girls RUN!
Through the power of running, community and empowerment, we bring awareness to the health disparities in the Black community. We dispel the myths that black women are unhealthy and not physically active. Black girls run brings women together all over the country to increase representation on the pavement. We are moving and motivating women to change the narrative of what running and health and health looks like for black women. We provide inspiration and serve as a resource for women to become the best version of themselves. Black girls run wants to create healthier communities to change the health statistics for black women and make us healthier for generations to come. Join the movement at www.blackgirlsrun.com.
About Saucony
Saucony, the ‘Original Running Brand’ and a division of Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (NYSE: WWW), is a leading global performance running brand that fuses innovation, style and culture. Widely recognized for award-winning technologies including PWRRUN™ PB, PWRRUN+™, and SPEEDROLL™, Saucony creates innovative technical and lifestyle footwear and apparel across Road, Trail and Originals. Founded in 1898, Saucony exists to inspire and enable people to live a better life through running culture, self-expression and their impact on the world. For more information, visit www.saucony.com.
