Run + Book Talk with Alison Mariella Désir, Author of "Running While Black"

Join Allison Mariella Désir, Pacers Running, and Brooks Running for an evening with Alison Mariella Désir, author of "Running While Black." At 6 PM, join Ms. Désir for a three mile run, or two mile walk in Georgetown, followed by a reading by Ms. Désir of a chapter of her book, and a Q+A. Copies of "Running While Black" will be available for sale at the event, and Ms. Désir will be available to sign copies of her book.

"Alison Mariella Désir is multi-talented: a founder, a doer, an activist, a connector, and an unapologetically straightforward communicator with a passion for community health. Alison came to running organically, following a period of depression, when a Black friend and role model trained for and completed a marathon.

Alison is the founder of Harlem Run, an NYC-based running movement, and Run 4 All Women, which has raised over $150,000 for Planned Parenthood and $270,000 for Black Voters Matter.

Alison is co-chair of the newly formed Running Industry Diversity Coalition, a nonprofit that unites the running industry to provide resources, measure progress, and hold the industry accountable to equitable employment, leadership, and ownership positions and improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and people of color.

Alison most recently has channeled her personal experiences and formal training to bring the mental benefits of running to a broader group. She created a series of events called Meaning Thru Movement that provides education and practical steps to improving mental and physical health, especially for the BIPOC community. These robust discussions not only educate all of us on the realities non-white runners face, but illuminate a more inclusive path forward that fights white supremacy and racism.

Alison was named as one of the “Power Women of 2022” by Women's Running Magazine. She was also listed as one of the most influential African Americans, aged 25 to 45, by The Root 100.

Alison holds her BA in History, MA in Latin American and Caribbean Regional Studies, and EdM in Counseling Psychology, all from Columbia University.

Alison sits on the advisory boards for Strava and &Mother and is an Athlete Ambassador for Athlete Ally."

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Pacers Running, 1079 Wisconsin Avenue Northwest, Washington, United States