After reviewing 100 applications from across the country, the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) named Carol Holland and Jesse Holland, of Prince George’s County, MD, as the inaugural recipients of its Run The Block grant.

Run The Block is a new mentoring and grant pilot program by the RIDC, an educational non-profit whose mission is to unite the running industry to improve the inclusion, visibility and access for Black, Indigenous and other People of Color. The awardee is granted $200,000 to open a new retail running store in the U.S. along with dedicated mentorship to support them along the way. 

Anyone could apply for the grant with their store having at least 51 percent Black ownership. This criteria aims to direct financial support and mentorship towards businesses substantially owned and run by Black individuals, addressing historical barriers to access capital. 

Native to Prince George’s County, Carol Holland is an engineer, former All-American track star and Athletic Hall of Fame member at the U.S. Naval Academy. Her husband, Jesse Holland, is a college professor, journalist and author. Run The Block will help them open Haraka, their future run specialty store that will supply running and walking shoes, accessories, clothing and nutrition, serving communities in the local area and the broader District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia regions. 

“We are so pleased to be the inaugural recipients of this much-needed grant,” Carol and Jesse Holland said when they were notified of the award. “Too often, many communities in our area don’t have the equipment, support and encouragement they need to get outside and enjoy the benefits of exercise.

“We look forward to serving the runners, joggers and walkers of all ages in our area and bring running shoe expertise to our community, honoring our amazing tradition of track and field excellence and delivering a much-needed service to Prince George’s County,” they added.

“When we launched RUN THE BLOCK, we envisioned it as a catalyst for business success and generational wealth in the communities we serve. This year marks a pivotal step in that journey,” explains Kiera Smalls, executive director of the RIDC. “The stories we heard from applicants nationwide were deeply inspiring and we’re thrilled to partner with Carol and Jesse as they launch and grow their run specialty store. 

“As they grow within run specialty, the RIDC is committed to supporting them, helping pave the way for future retail owners,” Smalls adds. “Together, we’re building a more inclusive industry that welcomes community leaders and professionals from all backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives to elevate the running industry as a whole.” 

The Run The Block Selection Committee consisted of run industry leaders ranging from market-leading brands and owners of run specialty stores to business growth development; Kerin Hempel, former CEO of New York Road Runners; Jason Hunt, co-owner of Elite Feet; Joy Hunt, co-owner of Elite Feet; Parker Karnan, Founder and General Manager at Karnan Associates; Skot Welch, President and Founder of Global BridgeBuilders, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of New Community Transformative Fund; and Rick Wilhelm, Vice President, U.S. Specialty Retail Accounts at Brooks Running.