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Book of the Month: Running While Black by Alison M. Désir

January 25, 2023 by Aude Hofleitner Leave a Comment

This month’s highlight is for Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn’t Built for Us, by Alison M. Désir (Instagram, Twitter, Strava). This is an essential read, and I would recommend it not just to runners, but to anyone. This is the first book I finished in 2023 and it sets the bar pretty high for this year’s books. Ryan and I listened to it together (sometimes in the car, sometimes while foam rolling!) and both found it incredibly well written and narrated, with rich documentation about relevant statistics, research and history.

Running while Black, book cover

The book is the opportunity for each of us to spend time educating ourselves about how the Black community has shaped distance running over the years. It is also a time to reflect on how this sport is still dominated by white people and how, despite the claims that it is inclusive of everyone, it has clearly not done enough to include others in the past. We can do better.

It provides concrete recommendations for the running industry, community leaders or individuals to stand up against racism and white supremacy.

One of the examples of the whiteness of running is shown in what people remember of history. The growth of distance running is typically associated with Steve Prefontaine or Bill Bowerman but Harlem’s Pioneer Club was funded in 1936. From its inception, the club was a leader in racial integration. One of its members, Ted Corbitt, became the first president of the New York Road Runners club and organized the inaugural New York City marathon (which he also won). The role of both the Pioneer club and Ted Corbitt has been nearly erased from history and it is only starting to get corrected recently as shown in this article published on NYRR’s website in 2021.

NYRR and the TCS New York City Marathon are a gift to the world from New York City’s Black community and the New York Pioneer Club of Harlem.

The New York Pioneer Club: A Civil Rights History, NYRR

I’ll close this book highlight by reminding you that February is Black History Month, so please take the opportunity to educate yourself and how you can actively improve the diversity in our sport and our society. Last year, DPMR issued its first diversity statement and we are only getting started.

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2023 Pt. Mariah Trail Marathon

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Join us on Aug 5, 2023!
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Mar
28
Tue
5:30 pm DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Mar 28 @ 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Apr
4
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6:00 pm NOW AT 6PM! DPMR Weekly Social R... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
NOW AT 6PM! DPMR Weekly Social R... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Apr 4 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
NOW AT 6PM! DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Apr
11
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6:00 pm NOW AT 6PM! DPMR Weekly Social R... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
NOW AT 6PM! DPMR Weekly Social R... @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Apr 11 @ 6:00 pm – 7:15 pm
NOW AT 6PM! DPMR Weekly Social Run & Hangout @ Alibi Public House, Truckee @ Trout Creek Pocket Park
Keep an eye on Facebook for updates and cancellation due to weather.  Photo credit: Steve Woo These runs will depart from the Trout Creek Pocket Park, northwest corner of Bridge and Jiboom St (at the[...]
Apr
18
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5:15 pm DPMR Newbies Run Club Co-hosted ... @ TBD
DPMR Newbies Run Club Co-hosted ... @ TBD
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Details here: https://donnerpartymountainrunners.com/2023/02/dpmr-newbies-run-club-3/   Photo by Andrea
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5:15 pm DPMR Newbies Run Club Co-hosted ... @ TBD
DPMR Newbies Run Club Co-hosted ... @ TBD
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Details here: https://donnerpartymountainrunners.com/2023/02/dpmr-newbies-run-club-3/   Photo by Andrea
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Want to race free for a whole year? The top 10 DPM Want to race free for a whole year? The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free race entries for a year, up to $1000. Don't miss out! Become a volunt(hero) today! Link in bio for more info. 
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Want to race free for a whole year? The top 10 DP Want to race free for a whole year?  The top 10 DPMR volunteers with the most hours logged in 2023 will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win free race entries for a year, up to $1000. Don't miss out! Become a volunt(hero) today! Link in bio for more info. 
#drpmr #VOLUNT(HERO) #gratisracing
Join us for an epic Trail Running Film Festival on Join us for an epic Trail Running Film Festival on April 13th at Alibi Ale Works! DPMR and Tahoe Mountain Sports have come together to showcase the best films of the year that capture the essence of trail running and the beauty of nature. Free for DPMR members or $20 for non-members. Get inspired and energized for your next adventure on the trails!  In addition, we will be accepting donations for DPMRs trail stewardship fund and you will also have a chance to win some amazing prizes.

Save the date, invite your friends, and get your tickets now to secure your spot at the festival. Link in bio. 

#TrailRunningFilmFestival #GetInspired #TrailRunning #DPMR #AdventureAwaits" #alibialeworks #tahoemountainsports
Attention all runners! If you're searching for a t Attention all runners! If you're searching for a trail marathon that caters to all levels of runners, look no further than the Pt. Mariah Marathon! This exceptional event will be held on August 5, 2023 and features a multi-loop course that leads you through five unique segments of the breathtaking Royal Gorge terrain. And the cherry on top? You can run it solo, as a 2-person partner relay, or as a 5-person team!  Register today! Link in bio.
🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Cold weather running ti 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Cold weather running tip: Invest in a good beanie ❄️😂 Our beanies are not only functional but stylish too, so you can look good while staying warm on those chilly morning jogs. Check out our beanies and other groovy gear in our online store. Link in bio. 
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Calling all volunt(hero)s! Join DPMR at the Canyon Calling all volunt(hero)s! Join DPMR at the Canyon Endurance Runs. The event takes place from April 28-29th, and we need volunteers to help with the aid station at Cal2. There are volunteer shifts on Friday through early Sunday morning. It's a fun way to get involved with the local trail running scene and support fellow runners. 

We need you! Link in bio!  #dpmr #unafraid #canyonsenduranceruns
Attention DPMR members! Save the date! We are exci Attention DPMR members! Save the date! We are excited to announce our exclusive member-only summer picnic coming up soon! This is a wonderful opportunity to socialize and connect with other DPMR members, while enjoying the beautiful summer weather. Not a DPMR member yet? It's not too late to join and take part in this fun event. Visit our website for more information on how to become a member today.
The Trail Running Film Festival is back on tour. The Trail Running Film Festival is back on tour.  In partnership with Tahoe Mountain Sports, we are excited to host you at Alibi Ale Works on April 13th for a night of adventure, inspiration, and fun! Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show will run from 7:00-9:00 PM. This event is free for DPMR members or $20 for non-members.  In addition, we will be accepting donations for DPMRs trail stewardship fund and you will also have a chance to win some amazing prizes.

Save the date, invite your friends, and get your tickets now to secure your spot at the festival. Link in bio.

#TrailRunningFilmFestival #GetInspired #TrailRunning #DPMR #adventureawaits
Calling all volunteers! Join DPMR at the Canyon En Calling all volunteers! Join DPMR at the Canyon Endurance Runs. The event takes place from April 28-29th, and we need volunteers to help with the aid station at Cal2. There are volunteer shifts on Friday through early Sunday morning. It's a fun way to get involved with the local trail running scene and support fellow runners. (* Please use password: DPMR when registering) 
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Did you know that as a paid member of the Donner P Did you know that as a paid member of the Donner Party Mountain Runners (DPMR), you get exclusive benefits like race discounts, member-only events, and bragging rights? If you haven't yet become a paid member, now is the perfect time to join! For as little as $20, you can enjoy all the benefits of being part of this amazing community. And with our upcoming races and events, you won't want to miss out on the discounts and exclusive access that come with being a member.
So why wait? Sign up now and become a part of the DPMR community today! Link in bio.
Calling all trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts! Calling all trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts! Get ready for an epic cinematic adventure that will take you to the wildest and most breathtaking trails around the world. In partnership with Tahoe Mountain Sports, we are excited to announce our upcoming Trail Running Film Festival, where we will showcase the best and most inspiring films of the year that capture the essence of trail running and the beauty of nature.

Join us at Alibi Ale Works on April 13th for a night of adventure, inspiration, and fun! Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show will run from 7:00-9:00 PM. This event is free for DPMR members or $20 for non-members. In addition, we will be accepting donations for DPMRs trail stewardship fund and you will also have a chance to win some amazing prizes.

From heart-pumping adventures to soul-stirring journeys, these films will leave you inspired, energized, and ready to hit the trails. Save the date, invite your friends, and get your tickets now to secure your spot at the festival. Link in bio.

#TrailRunningFilmFestival #GetInspired #TrailRunning #DPMR #AdventureAwaits
Loved seeing everyone at The Racing Gnome! Already Loved seeing everyone at The Racing Gnome! Already looking forward to next year! #dpmr
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