As headlines about the Ahmaud Arbery case take front stage and issues surrounding race, systemic racism and race-based injustice seem to multiply instead of abate, we are continually reminded how long the road to equality is.
At Another Mother Runner, we are committed to running in the right direction as long and far as we can. As February is Black History Month and, more importantly, in an effort to continue to make the sport of running feel as inclusive as possible, we are going to spend some time this month sharing stories, profiles, and thoughts of Black female athletes. Today and Friday, we are highlighting some of the inspiring Black runners we follow on Instagram—and suggest you give them a follow on IG if you spend time scrolling there. (You’ll see them pop up on our Instagram account as well through the month.)
Later this month, one of Sarah’s guests on the AMR podcast will be endurance athlete, activist, and mental health advocate Alison Desir, whose book Running While Black debuts this fall; on a separate episode, Sarah will talk to runner Darlene Anita Scott, a Black runner and poet who has dealt with serious heart issues. (February is also American Heart Month/Go Red for Women.) We’ll also share a few personal essays about race and running.
As always, we aim to include as many voices as possible; if you’re interested, please fill out our Search for Diverse Voices. Step by step, we’ll get to the place where, as Desir says, “[hopefully] in the future, Black athletes can be celebrated year round.”
Inspirational Black Women Runners
Alysia Montaño: IG: alysiamontano
(Olympian; 2xWorld Champ; Mommax3 )
“Being an athlete has taught me that everyday is a new day, and there is something to find and learn within yourself daily that you can choose to either take or leave.”
Shawanna White: IG: peachrunner26.2
(7th fastest U.S. born Black marathoner: 2:45:19)
“I have so many great memories from running, but my favorite is from the 2021 Blue Ridge Relay. The team I ran with made history by become the first all Black team to run the race.”
Courtney Carter: IG: EatPrayRunDC
(26.2 x 10; 13.1 x 18)
“Motivation isn’t the thing that gets me out the door or on the tread. Rather it’s habit. Running begets more running. Skipping runs begets more skipping runs. So being consistent is the key for me. The question is not, ‘Am I running?’ but rather, ‘When am I running?'”
Karen Ofafa: IG: kofafa_nurse
(a BAMRbassador who is currently recovering from knee surgery)
“One of my favorite running memories is Ragnar Arizona trail relay with my hubby and some of our mutual running friends. I think we laughed for 48 hours, barely got any rest between runs, and took in more alcohol that we needed to fuel our runs. Hubby and I were so exhausted after the race, that when we got home, our kiddos became our caregivers. But it was so much FUN!”
Jasmine Rogers: IG: itrisometimes
(slow, sarcastic, and still a triathlete)
“I was a sprinter/hurdler through college. Now running longer distances helps me clear my mind, and free myself from the weight of the world and the worries of the day. My knees certainly hurt a lot more, but I keep at it because I end each run in a better headspace than when I started.”
Alexandria Williams: IG: alexandriaIwill
(headed back to Boston this spring)
“From training for a triathlon to helping deal with anxiety or depression, running has helped keep me motivated and focused on my goals in all areas of my life. It’s important for me to keep running and sharing my journey to continue to impact others who are struggling or never represented in the running community.”
Adalgisa Rivera (aka Lisa): IG: lovelylisa125
(also owns knitting business)
“As of today, one of my favorite running memories was the 2021 New York City Marathon. The amount of love and seeing NYC alive again after the COVID lockdown was just breath taking. The amount of smiles, hugs, cheers, movement and just JOY was so overwhelming. I am still on a high from it. Every time I think about different moments of the day, I get an automatic smile to my face and joy to my heart.”
Alison Desir: IG:alisonmdesir
(Athlete Activist Builder Mother Author)
“2021 I spent equal amounts of time in front of the scenes and behind the scenes and I love the opportunity to do both. To tell my story and tell others’ stories. To grab the limelight and to direct it towards others. To crush my goals and to witness and celebrate others crushing theirs. To take up space and create space for others. To care for myself and care for others. It’s bigger than me, and I’m in it for the long haul.”
As a mom of a black teen daughter athlete – whose 17th birthday happens to be today 🥰,- I could not love this more!! Thank you, Sarah and Dimity, for making these voices heard and amplified 💞