Showing that races are about much more than people running a certain distance, Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist (ATC10K), North Carolina’s largest 10K running race, has gone the extra mile by partnering with NC-based Summit Coffee. Both brands prioritize inclusivity, sustainability, creating enjoyment, are members of 1% For the Planet and are kicking off their partnership by hosting non-binary professional runner, running coach, tech professional and queer community organizer Ryan Montgomery at this year’s event.

“Joining forces with Summit Coffee to move the needle forward on increasing access to movement, reducing our carbon footprint and maximizing fun in all areas of running for years to come is a true privilege for ATC10K,” explains Brian Mister, race director of Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist. “Through our partnership, we are able to grow our year-round programming, reach more communities and celebrate and empower even more individuals in their running journey.”

Ryan Montgomery founded Out Trails in 2022, a LGBTQIA+ community that hosts a queer-only hiking/running retreat in WA each fall and offers year-round connection through Slack as a way to grow inclusivity and diversity in the sport of running.

“It’s an honor to garner the attention of a decorated ultrarunner and organizer within the queer community like Montgomery and share the ATC10K experience with them this year,” adds Mister. “The running industry is at a crossroads with ensuring all members, including LGBTQIA+ runners, feel seen, supported and celebrated. ATC10K is committed to working with Montgomery to continue pushing this important work forward.”

Montgomery’s involvement included several race weekend events including a panel discussion on inclusivity within the running and sports industry.

"Summit is a huge proponent of active living, community betterment and having fun and ATC10K boasts all of those in spades," adds Brian Helfrich, CEO of Summit Coffee. "We're humbled to have the opportunity to be part of this running movement happening in Charlotte, which ATC10K has been in front of for years. To bring Ryan Montgomery into this partnership, since he's also pioneering a movement in making running and the outdoors more inclusive, means there's a tremendous opportunity to make a difference in both Charlotte and running communities. We couldn't ask for anything more."

Around the Crown 10K was founded in 2019 by Brian and Chelsea Mister to promote the simple act of putting one foot in front of the other to move Charlotte forward. The purpose is to show that running can make you healthier, happier and more confident with no regard to age, cultural differences, gender, pace or experience. With a year-long line-up of events, it becomes part race, part run, part community event, part celebration, and a tribute to Charlotte. Around the Crown 10K was made for everyone. To learn more,

Summit Coffee is a roaster and retailer based in North Carolina. With 10 open cafes and nine more in development, Summit is one of the fastest-growing specialty coffee brands in the Southeast. Summit is a member of 1% For the Planet and its roastery is both certified organic and Climate Neutral certified. In addition to partnering with ATC10K, Summit sponsors the Atlanta Track Club, the Charlotte Independence Soccer Club and other lifestyle and community-based causes.