Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn't Built for Us

by Alison Mariella Désir

A searing exposé on the whiteness of running, a supposedly egalitarian sport, and a call to reimagine the industry

"Runners know that running brings us to ourselves. But for Black people, the simple act of running has never been so simple. It is a declaration of the right to move through the world. If running is claiming public space, why, then, does it feel like a negotiation?"

Running saved Alison Désir's life. At rock bottom and searching for meaning and structure, Désir started marathon training, finding that it vastly improved both her physical and mental health. Yet as she became involved in the community and learned its history, she realized that the sport was largely built with white people in mind.

Running While Black draws on Désir's experience as an endurance athlete, activist, and mental health advocate to explore why the seemingly simple, human act of long distance running for exercise and health has never been truly open to Black people. Weaving historical context--from the first recreational running boom to the horrific murder of Ahmaud Arbery--together with her own story of growth in the sport, Désir unpacks how we got here and advocates for a world where everyone is free to safely experience the life-changing power of movement.

As America reckons with its history of white supremacy across major institutions, Désir argues that, as a litmus test for an inclusive society, the fitness industry has the opportunity to lead the charge--fulfilling its promise of empowerment.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports, Memoir, Race, Audiobook, History, Biography

264 pages, Hardcover

First published October 18, 2022

Reviews

[Sarah Lesko · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is essential reading for not only runners, but anyone who lives in the U.S. With her warm and engaging style, the author expertly weaves her personal stories with a historical explication of racism in this country. It starts with a bang, with a side by side timeline of US running history with Black history, providing an excellent context for the book. Although it is such a heavy topic, amazingly I felt hopeful, energized, and motivated when I finished the book. The author is courageous, funny, and emotionally connected; through her writing she provides a blueprint for all of us for how to build an inclusive community.

[Rosa K · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was informative and I really appreciated the deep dive into the Black athletes who paved the way for this sport. The beginning juxtaposition of US running History vs Black People's Reality was aboustely powerful and equally eye-opening.

My main gripe with this memoir was how Desir imbued a ‘How to be an Anti-Racist / White Fragility’ analysis in this book. Increasing diversity and making a sport "diverse" often points to very ambiguous answers and solutions. One of the mainstream ways that aims to address the lack of diversity is by increasing it in various institutions, and this book is no exception. AKA, having more POC's at the seat at the table or diversifying the types of people who are featured in magazines. Alison Desir does continually name white supremacy but it seems a bit discordant with the type of memoir she's trying to write. I think it was hard to fully take in this book because it continuously vacillated between a 'how to be an anti-racist 101' treatise and her very powerful and personal running journey.

I wish I could've gotten more stories around how Desir cultivated such a strong running community in Harlem and her thoughts on sustaining these communities despite the odds.

Towards the end, Desir does mention a lot of the structural ways that make it very hard for people to have a safe way to enjoy sports and engage in leisurely activities, i.e. public infrastructure, lack of resourcing to neighborhoods with a high density of Black people, etc. Other points I did appreciate were challenging the prestige of qualifying for Boston and how running isn't truly "the most democratic sport".

All in all, it was a bit all over the place but I appreciated her, her contributions to the sport, and her exploration of the racial injustice in the running community and sport.

[Olivia Barrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really good and I will be passing it on to others in my running group. We all talk about wanting to be inclusive and welcoming, but this book makes it clear that talk is not enough. I was especially challenged by the chapter about the elitism of the Boston Marathon. I'll be reflecting on the larger impact of exclusionary practices like the BQ time. I've always thought it was a powerful motivator to try to achieve something daunting - but am I just buying into the desire to be 'better' and to increase my status? This book made me start to see the way that mindset harms me. Highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand the barriers that can prevent Black people from experiencing the freedom of distance running and to be better equipped to help break those barriers down so that it can become just as normal to see Black people running in any neighborhood as it is to see white people.

[Amanda Stecco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most important book I’ve read this year. Media reporting has always been heavily biased, but putting major moments in white running history alongside major moments in Black history is such a brilliant way to highlight the serious cognitive dissonance of society, and racism within the sport.

This book is so necessary and so is dialogue it’s creating. People not based in New York should know that the running scene would be VERY different without her voice and leadership.

Alison has had an impact on me both before and after I knew her. I learned about Harlem Run not long after I first moved here (I live in Brooklyn), and over the years, the community that she built became one that made me as a woman of color feel safe both in and outside of New York.

People I met from her group have become my family. They’re who lift me up at races in the middle of the mountains *and* in my DMs when I’m nervous about an upcoming one. They’re who I talked to most and felt seen by during lockdown. Every time I run the NYC marathon, I repeat a mantra to myself of “Just get to Harlem.” Because I know the energy they’ll give me will carry me to the end, and there is truly NOTHING like their cheer station.

I’m truly grateful for the groundwork she’s laid here, and for the wisdom and perspective she’s gifted us with in this book. Please read it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not sure why, but I was surprised by how much this story was about race and racism. Somehow I figured running would play a larger role. However, that doesn't mean I was dissatisfied with the book. I think I actually appreciated it more. Part of the racist view in America is of the Black Athlete. We view them as strong but less intelligent and while denying their civil rights, we flock to arenas and stadiums to watch them compete in physical events. (We is a generalization. I don't flock, but look at sports on tv. Who is watching? Who is playing? Who is coaching/owning the team? What color are these different groups?) Running, however, has been viewed as a predominantly white wealthier type pursuit (think golf). No one looks twice seeing a white person running down the street but Black people doing the same thing raise an alarm and possibly get shot. This is what Ms. Desir brings to the forefront in her book in a very personal and very timely discussion regarding race, inclusion, and the sport of running. I loved learning more about the history of running in New York, Ms. Desir's own journey to run a marathon, and where her passion has taken her as she looks to increase inclusivity in the sport.

[Katie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe I wasn't as into this book because I'm no longer into running, but I found it to be kind of boring. The author seemed incredibly angry at white people specifically, not just white supremacy or the establishment, to the point of being redundant and unhealthy. It just made it difficult to be excited to read when it felt like listening to someone's extended rant.

[Scott Kummer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good and interesting read for a number of reasons. First, it is a great first hand account of how it feels to feel unwelcome based on race, sex, age, speed, size, etc. I think it is really important for folks to learn about the first hand accounts of others so they can better understand them, help sports like running feel more inclusive and realize that they have certain blind spots when it comes to other people's perspectives. I also really appreciate the comments about the Boston Marathon. I've always thought it was a little overhyped and cliquey,. (sidetone: I did do a virtual Boston during the pandemic and I do own the jacket).

At the same time, I felt like the author was painting certain groups with a broad brush, which is sort of what we're trying to eliminate in the world. We often don't know people's motives, the. reasons why they do what they do, etc. And assuming the worst in someone based on their race or sex or even, say, having an American flag in their yard is troubling. Even more so is the fact that of all the dangers discussed in the book for people of color who run, other people of color was omitted. I think it is a little insincere to omit that on top of whatever fears and concerns someone may have, both justified and not, no group is immune from guilt. Whether that is the threat of sexual assault, harassment, or criminality.

With that caveat, there is a lot of good in this book, great insight, and a really cool story of a community and movement being built. It certainly has caused me to consider the spaces I am creating and making sure they are created for and welcoming to everyone. Well done.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book that will, at the offset, most likely make you uncomfortable. Desir, an activist and self-proclaimed 'disrupter', shares her story as a black runner in the white world of long-distance running. Her efforts to grow the black long-distance running community led to activism and a deep understanding of white privilege and black oppression. Desir is an incredibly engaging writer and I found her journey to be very inspiring. Not only do I have a better understanding of our history, I appreciated her acknowledgment that all of us have been affected by white supremacy (used in a different context). Desir doesn't let us off the hook, though. She urges and empowers all of us to do better. While Running While Black is set in the context of running, this is the best book I've read on race.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for any runner, athlete, or human being that cares about improving our racist world. I was challenged and convicted - the author has combined a memoir and cultural commentary into an unearthing of the (unknown to me) history of Black people in running. Thankful this exists and I encourage you to read it!

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s an assumption among (white) runners it’s an inclusive and accessible sport. That all you need are running shoes. This book shows through the author’s personal experience how that is very much not the case.

[Tamara Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Running While Black: Finding Freedom In A Sport That Wasn’t Built For Us” is a nonfiction book that is near and dear to my heart since I started participating in running events in 2007 and have participated in running events consistently since 2011. To me, this book is notable in that it’s a combination of a memoir as well as an examination on the history of running and a reclaiming of Afro Americans who have been long erased from running history such as Ted Corbitt, Marilyn Bevans, and many others.

This book consists of twenty-one chapters divided into three parts and begins with an author’s note followed by a timeline chronicling the freedom of movement for black people. The overarching theme of this book is the dominance of white culture in sport of running, a lack of representation of people of color in running, and the creation of running spaces as well as running communities for black people by black people to run on their own terms.

In the introduction, as the author (Alison Désir) writes of preparing for a run, I resonated with her inner turmoil in deciding the best clothing, sharing running route with others and picking a running route in order to not appear to be a threat to white people while also having to negotiate her own safety.

In part one, Désir recounts her experience being the only black person participating in a marathon and having it reinforced early on that black people can only be track runners, not distance runners. Désir discusses her childhood growing up in a mixed neighborhood and being the child of immigrants (Haiti and Columbia) and learning about her blackness in first grade when her teacher mistakenly calls her the name of the other black girl in her class. In fourth grade, Désir share her experience having black friends for the first time and feel less alone in the white world.

Désir shares being inspired to participate in a distance race after following the journey of her friend who is a black man as he trained for a marathon. In watching her friend’s transformation into a runner, Désir uses decides to join Team In Training and begins to run as a way to overcome her depression and in honor of her father. While taking care of her physically ill father, she eventually begins to feel alert and lighter. Désir expresses feeling a notable difference when running through the streets of Harlem versus other areas of the city and part one ends with Désir completing her first marathon.

In part two, begins with Désir fully embracing running due to the positive impact it has in her life. Désir longs for a team of black people to share the joy of running with and is sad that distance running is a white space, even in largely populated black areas. Désir discusses the history of running which started as jogging in Oregon. I will admit I was completely shocked to read about Oregon’s racist past if excluding black people in the late 1800s as well as having the largest KKK membership in the 1920s. Désir discusses white privilege, white supremacy, and the irony of the creation of jogging running parallel to the civil rights movement for African Americans.

Eventually, Désir creates a running group for black people in Harlem but is surprised when the first member to show up was a white woman. Désir’s hard word pays off and she and others eventually create a welcoming and inclusive running community for black people in Harlem. Désir initially gets supports from black and brown led male running groups but the support is pulled when Désir Part two ends with Désir participating in the Boston Marathon as well as her awareness of the elitism of the Boston Marathon versus more democratic races such as New York, Marine Corps, Chicago, London, Berlin, and Tokyo marathons which uses a lottery system rather than a time based entry model.

In part three, Désir grapples with being pregnant in her late thirties as well as worry about surviving childbirth due to a lack of lack medical care by hospital staff. As she settles into the new role as a mother, news of Ahmaud Arbery’s death leaves her angry and looking for answers. Upset that running which has served as an escape for Désir can now lead to death. she discusses research showing that sports media remains predominantly white and predominantly male which leads to a lack of racial diversity in the running industry. Although Désir intentionally works to not have relationships with white people, after a conversation with a black woman she highly respects, Désir begins to work with white people to create a more welcoming environment for black and other runners that are people of color. By Désir participating in a racial coalition, this grows into a larger conversation leading to long term change in the running industry while introducing concepts of DEI work.

Désir and family ends up moving due to gentrification during the COVID-19 pandemic.in this portion of the book, it was fascinating to learn how racist housing policies as well as creating housing units in areas with less trees and more pavement can shorten the life expectancy of those living in urban neighborhoods versus suburban neighborhoods. After Désir moves to another state, she is able to find a new environment where she can create a more inclusive community in running.

The book end with Désir reflecting on her experience as a social justice warrior as well as asking the runner to look within themselves to see how they can work to help address the barriers people of color face when wanting to run such as lack of running bras and shoes and creating safe running space. As more black and brown people are opening running stores and hosting running events, this in slowly working to truly expand the sport of running for all.

Although I constantly live a life moving through white spaces, I felt even more inspired and emboldened to continue running and participating in running events whether I am the only black person there or if I’m one of many. Running isn’t a private club for a few people, instead running belongs to everyone and should be an inclusive celebration of movement.

Some readers might be offended by the content of this book because of Désir’s expression of how white supremacy, systemic racism, and oppression has create a polarizing atmosphere in running. Having said this, Désir’s goal is to shed light on a problem that has long be avoided in the running community and reclaiming the large role black people played in the sport of running as well publicly addressing was in which race directors and running brands can work to create a more inclusive environment for black and brown runners of all abilities.

After reading this book, I was shocked by how much black running history I didn’t know until I read this book. Did you know that in 1909, black men were winning marathons? I am eternally grateful to Désir for sharing her story as well as the sharing the deep impact of how running can be a way to experience freedom in a world that often tries to keep marginalized people oppressed.

[Danna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, this book was so good. I picked it up because it was my running book club’s choice for the month; I am so glad because I don’t know that I would have found it on my own. This was one of those books that I found myself talking about constantly as I read. I learned so much.

First of all, Alison is a badass. She is a runner and a movement maker. This book is an exceptionally well-balanced combination of Alison’s personal experience, the history of Black American running, and the current evolution of race and running. Running While Black made me think. Alison is so generous with her experience as a Black American woman: how she navigates running, parenting, white fragility, preventing burnout, and more. It is not incumbent upon BIPOC to educate white people on racism, which Alison reiterates throughout, but I am grateful for the education she provided me in this book.

Second of all, I’m in awe of the community Alison built and continues to build: the running club she created in Harlem; the Planned Parenthood fundraiser followed by thousands; what she brings to races, race directors, and various running businesses (stores, magazines, etc).

I was and was not surprised to hear how many incredible Black athletes have been erased from the narrative. It’s something I expect of our country, but always have a small amount of surprise—and a large amount of sadness—to peel back another layer of white supremacist history (including present day). As a runner, I also questioned some of the ways I’ve showed up, some of the goals I’ve set (that elusive Boston qualifying time), and how I can be a better ally to runners of color (and other diverse needs). Books like this encourage me to be better.

This is the kind of book I think everyone should read. If you care about equity and you care about running, I highly recommend.

[Jordyn Roesler | Sorry, Booked Solid · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad this book was recommended to me! It was a great mix of information I feel I’ve read a lot about already (systemic racism) and so much more information I wasn’t familiar with at all (racism in the running community and the running industry in general). I’d highly recommend to anyone interested in continuing their anti-racist journey and especially if you have an added interest in running/fitness as a topic!

[Noito · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a required read if you identify as either a runner, an athlete, or a human being. Seriously. Désir challenges everyone to read up and do their homework when it comes to social justice work. Reading this book is a great place to start.

[Tori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required reading for ALL runners, joggers, and fierce walkers! HIGHLY recommended reading for all people as it covers so much more than just running!

[Graham Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Read for Global Running Day 2024)

(4.5 rounded up)

I’ve been running since middle school, my biggest concerns in that time being a verbally abusive high school coach, trying to PR, not getting hit by a car during my runs and presently lingering IT Band issues. It’s a sign of privilege that as a white man that’s all I needed to worry about in my running career. Black runners meanwhile have to be constantly worried about organized running clubs/events not prioritizing them or at worse being confronted (violently or otherwise) during their runs simply for running in White Spaces while black. Harlem Run founder Alison Mariella Désir chronicles the experiences, frustration and fears of being a Black runner in “Running While Black”.

In the book, Désir covers all sorts of topics be it how running helped with her health problems, her running/racing history, founding Harlem Runs when running clubs focused on White runners made her feel excluded, the hidden history of Black Americans in the sports’ history, the structural racism that is present in it, etc. It's a lot of content in a short(ish) page count but Désir does an excellent job covering everything and drawing the links between them. Some topics get significant focus like the story of Ahmaud Arbery, one of the most infamous and recent instances of a Black Runner being denied their basic humanity when/where they choose to run and Whites can’t accept that. Others were lesser known details about historical Black Runners who were among the first to win marathons but history glossed over or more recent cases of Black runners at professional events being ignored by commentators/officials until they ran fast enough to not be ignored anymore. Then there’s stuff I would never have contemplated like viewing the city of Boston in a new light in regards to racial history (knew about busing but not it being the first North city with segregated systems), and also how it puts the Boston Marathon’s “exclusivity” in a new light.

Overall as I read “Running While Black” I was actively learning something about the Black Runner experience as well as recontextualizing my own experiences as a White Runner and making me want to be a better ally and co-runner to Black runners. I highly recommend the book to all runners so they can really understand how the sport has left out Black Runners many times historically and even now and how society has at times violently reacted to their attempts to participate. Reading the book can underscore though the efforts of runners like Désir to make the sport more accommodating and not beholden to white biases, white supremacy and structural racism.

[Taylar · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must-read for runners and a great read for those interested in inclusivity and dismantling white supremacy. Desir tells her story while also sharing the history of how American distance running has been whitewashed and made to be exclusionary. Educational and a little emotional. There is always room for growth and confronting my own intrinsic racism. I loved Desir’s analogies about anti-racism work being a marathon and needing to get white people off the couch - no one can get them to run except themselves.

[Abby Rice · Rating 5 out of 5]

equal parts memoir and examination of the history of running, particularly how Black people have built, yet been erased and excluded from the community. listened on audiobook and hearing it from Desir herself made it even more powerful. i especially enjoyed the discussion surrounding Boston and the exclusionary > inclusionary the event imbues.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

“All you need is running shoes.” This is a common phrase delivered to explain why running is considered an accessible sport/activity for every person. Yet, it is a short-sighted explanation, and Alison Mariella Desir’s book offers in great detail how and why this refrain is most often spoken by white people.

There are, in fact, structural factors, historical fact-based exclusions, and running traditions that have prevented people of color from participating in running. These challenges continue to create barriers today for running as a leisure activity or a competitive sport. Desir’s book will challenge your thinking. Running While Black has encouraged me to continue exploring what it means to be or create welcoming spaces.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly exquisite, glad to have this book to start my year and set some mindful intentions for future reading.

Alison does a beautiful job teaching through storytelling. She graciously gives us a front row seat to her experiences as a Black child, then a Black woman and how the whiteness of her surroundings drove her to become a disruptor. While there is no direct “call to action” of sorts (I find myself as a white person unlearning the practice of asking “What do I DO though?”), if you listen along the way, if you mindfully take in the lessons Alison gives, she has laid out action steps for you to explore.

I have read and plan on reading again and then reading again. The learnings can be applied to any space - not just running and encourage you to be curious about what you think you know.

Happy reading, happy running.

[Andrea Goldfein · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book in a raffle at an event for the non-profit group Bras for Girls. I hadn't heard about the book and was mildly interested in reading it, but after the first chapter realized how important this book was for me to read. Désir shares her personal life story in a way that is genuine, educational, and inspiring.

This book is about so much more than running. As someone with an architecture background, I found the analysis of the differences in the urban environment to be particularly interesting and think that this book would be a good addition to the required reading for any urban design or architecture course. The architecture profession is largely dominated by white males, who also teach and write about it. Adding this book to the course material would be a very small step towards addressing some of the issues presented in this book.

[Allie Kaminski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real eye opener especially as someone who leads and participates in many running groups. Learned a lot!

[Sam Weiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An impactful read that everyone should pick-up, runners and non-runners alike!

My favorite parts include reading about Alison’s family, how she started Harlem run, her experience with motherhood, her perspective on the problematic nature of the Boston Marathon, and learning all of the history of black running in the US that I had never heard of before. The timeline in the beginning of the book was especially insightful!

I would have liked to hear even more about her parent’s experiences as immigrants and how being raised in a middle to upper-middle class family influenced her decision making and perspective on the world.

My only real complaint is that the middle of the book felt a bit disjointed in the transitions between Alison’s experiences and the broader discussions of history and racism. But overall for such an ambitious book, I think she did a great job at executing it.

Overall, would highly recommend, and I hope Alison’s book gets the same media recognition and press that Kara Goucher’s and Lauren Fleshman’s are getting.

[Natalie Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting read and it was a special treat to hear it read by the author who has a wonderful voice. It was a unique way to look at race and prejudice in this country and has a significant perspective as most people would think that running is something that everyone can do equally. Ahmaud Arbery tragically proved that this is not the case. The author weaves in the impact that running has had on her life along with the history of running, especially those who have been overlooked by historians.

[Trinity Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow. i think i may have heard about this book on booktok, but it was extremely informative. it dives deep into black history within the running industry and how running actively excludes black people. what i was struck by the most was a visual timeline of black people’s reality along with running milestones over the course of history — but the intersections (central park 5, ahmaud arbery, etc) of the two highlighted on the timeline were absolutely what pulled me in and had me seared.

this was really great read into white supremacy and white fragility through the lens of a runner. it gave words to a lot of my thoughts and feelings about whiteness as a black woman. i am a current boston resident and have fallen completely in love with the city so to see the author call out boston and its problematic racism in the context of running, black and brown people and traditions like the boston marathon was kind of healing as i process these things in real time as a black woman in the city.

the book definitely requires a lot of pacing. it is not an easy read and there were points where i felt uncomfortable as would anyone. but it’s an important read. i read it over almost 2 weeks and it was a good length at around 250 pages.

i give it 4 stars because the author included a lot of information that didn’t, in my opinion, necessarily need so many details. like full on conversations from meetings with white execs or bullets from various to-do lists. i just wondered how accurate those were if there were full paragraphs back and forth from conversations she wanted to include. i think if she added quotes rather than paragraphs or explained why certain comments in meetings were problematic, it would’ve been a better experience for me as a reader. ultimately, i think she could’ve tightened things up by showing rather than telling in a lot of areas. i understand she wanted to explain her experiences alongside history kind of like the timeline she had at the very beginning of the book — but sometimes this approach can lack balance and can be overwritten. i think it was in certain places in the book.

this is a first person read and really like a black woman’s analysis of how running excludes blackness by any means necessary. i would recommend it to anyone and everyone — especially those wanting to learn more about the black experience and those interested in running! the passion and dedication to center intersectionality in the book from start to end really took the cake for me.

[Jada Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve never read a book where I’ve felt so seen. If you can can confidently say, “running is a sport for everyone! You just need to put on some sneakers and go.”, check your privilege. A lot of work needs to be done!

[Nineveh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A memoir with a thesis that really really resonated. Proud TrailblazHer

[Emilie22 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a tough book to review and I am trying to be thoughtful with my words.

From a writing perspective, I think the execution overall fell flat for me. I don’t think the book was able to successfully integrate Desir’s personal running journey with her assessment of the running world and with her thoughts on how to best move forward.

I agree that the Boston Marathon is elite and exclusive in its roots and that is not necessarily a good thing; for similar reasons, I don’t have a desire to run Boston. But I am currently training for a BQ and have that standard to thank as a way of pushing me and striving for a time goal. I use this as an example of how things aren’t necessarily as binary as Desir paints most of her examples. (Let me also say that running is running and at the end of the day, we shouldn’t care what your pace is and if getting a BQ is an end goal or not. I certainly don’t.)

Separately but perhaps related, I ask the running community to help me identify any Asian female professional runners. I’m relatively new to the sport but I’d be some excited to see someone on a podium who looks like me. Doesn’t mean I can’t admire or celebrate others but I’m curious to know if there any!

I appreciate how thought provoking this book is and I definitely learned from it so in that sense, this was worth it. I think the delivery is the piece with which I struggle.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just read Isabel Wilkerson’s “Caste”, I see Alison Mariella Désir’s “Running While Black” as a case study of what America’s caste system has done to Black people in recreational running. A sport which should be universally accessible–requiring the minimum in equipment and no specific venue–hasn’t been, and running-curious people like Désir, whose physical and mental health could benefit from participation, especially since Blacks, for whatever reason, suffer more than whites, have not felt welcome.

The introductory “Timeline: Freedom of Movement”, contrasting “U.S. Running History” with “Black People’s Reality”, frames the issues, and is worthwhile in itself.

I’m delighted that Désir has managed to make her own way and, in the process, create spaces in which Black runners feel welcome while exposing the need for change to the bigger running world. Here’s hoping running helps many Black running-curious people find Désir’s book and, with it, the confidence to achieve great things.

(Désir observes that, when she began her involvement, running seemed to be for the young, thin and white. When I first started running almost fifty years ago, I would have added “men” to that list, yet women now predominate in many road races. So I believe change is possible.)

[Alyssa Godesky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Should be required reading for everyone, but particularly athletes! Grateful for Alison and the energy she put into writing this for the world.