Brotherhood. Unity. Health. No Man left behind! These are the words that come to mind when people think of Black Men Run.
In an era where the health and wellness of Black men are critical conversations, Black Men Run has emerged as a beacon of hope, empowerment and community. According to statistics from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
• Heart disease is the number one cause of death for African American males.
• Fifty-four percent of African American adults have high blood pressure.
• Non-Hispanic blacks were twice as likely as non-Hispanic whites to die from diabetes.
At the heart of Black Men Run lies a commitment to dispelling stereotypes and shattering societal barriers. Historically, African American men have faced disproportionate health challenges, including higher rates of obesity, hypertension, heart disease and diabetes. Through the simple act of running, members of this organization are reclaiming control of their well-being and inspiring others to do the same. By fostering a culture of accountability and support, Black Men Run emboldens individuals to transcend limitations and unlock their full potential.
Black Men Run, also known as BMR, was established by Jason Russell and Edward Walton in July 2013 as a vehicle to encourage health and wellness among African American men by promoting a culture of running or jogging to stay fit. Founded with the mission to encourage health and wellness among African American men, Black Men Run transcends the conventional running group.
It is a movement dedicated to initiating change, breaking stereotypes and fostering a supportive environment where its members thrive physically, mentally and socially. Armed with a vision to effect change, they established a platform where men could come together, lace up their sneakers and hit the pavement. What began as a modest local running group in Atlanta, GA, swiftly burgeoned into a national movement, captivating individuals from all walks of life.
Black Men Run is comprised of more than 50 chapters across 39 states and it also has an international presence with chapters in London, Paris, Japan and Kenya. Since its inception, Black Men Run has benefitted the running community and industry by:
• Creating opportunities for African American runners to do the activities (e.g., road running, trail running and ultramarathon running) they enjoy doing.
• Creating safe and inclusive spaces for Black Men to share stories of triumph and struggle and to find solace in the company of like-minded individuals who understand their journey through organized, chapter runs, regional and national races, social events and virtual forums.
Black Men Run is not just a run club, it is also recognized a network of influence and impact. As BMR continues to do more in the trail running and ultra marathon spaces, along with expanding our footprint globally, it seeks to collaborate and/or partner with organization and / or brands that align with the mission and vision of the organization.
