The Boston Running Collaborative

Developed by the B.A.A., the Boston Running Collaborative (BRC) is comprised of organizations and individuals committed to building a diverse Boston running community, improving health and wellness, and expanding access to running and walking in Boston with a focus on communities of color.

The Boston Running Collaborative

 

The Boston Running Collaborative is led by a steering committee from Greater Boston’s running and non-profit communities
  • Adrienne Benton, B.A.A. Board of Governors; Founder, Black Unicorn Marathoners; Member of Black Girls Run! and the National Black Marathoners Association
  • Darrelle Boyd, EdD, English/ESL teacher at the O’Bryant School, Former BPS track athlete; USATF Certified Track & Field Official 
  • Jeff Davis, People & Culture Professional, Founder of Black Men Run Boston
  • Eric Francis, Boston Police Officer, Community Service Division, District D-4. Former BPS track athlete; USATF Certified Track & Field Official 
  • Sarah Lawton, Community Partnership Liaison for Councilor-At-Large Julia Mejia; Boston Public School Alumna; Former Captain of Boston’s City-Wide High School Cross Country Team. 
  • FJ Perfas, Assistant Director of Prevention, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, member of PIONEERS Run Crew
  • Kamilah Rowe, Assistant Manager of Track & Field, Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center; Alumna & former Head Track and Field Coach at John D. O’Bryant High School 
  • Rochelle Solomon, Quality Compliance Specialist, Mass General Brigham Pathology, Black Girls Run! Ambassador, Co-Founder, Black Unicorn Marathoners, Coach, Girls on the Run Boston
  • Scott Stover, Chief Marketing Officer, Boston Athletic Association 
  • Lindsay Thorne-Bingham, Recruiting Manager, Analysis Group, TrailblazHers Run Leader
  • Suzanne Walmsley, Director of Community Engagement, Boston Athletic Association 
Purpose

By centering the conversation in the Boston running community, engaging supporters, and collectively leveraging our assets, the Boston Running Collaborative will develop, support, and promote innovative and accessible strategies, events, and programs to improve the health in underserved areas, diversify the sport, elevate diverse leaders in the sport, and bring communities together around running and fitness.

BRC Members

The Boston Running Collaborative welcomes all groups and individuals who would like to participate. Member organizations are expected to participate in planning meetings, serve on committees, and propose collaborative projects that are eligible for funding from the Boston Athletic Association. The following organizations have participated in the BRC:

Boston Running Collaborative Members represent the following organizations:

  • 261 Fearless
  • Achilles International
  • Adaptive Sports New England
  • Black Girls Run
  • Black Men Run
  • Black Unicorn Marathoners
  • Boston Athletic Association
  • Boston Lions Track Club
  • Boston Police
  • Boston Public School Athletics
  • Boston Public Schools Alumni
  • Boston Public Schools Faculty
  • Boston Road Runners
  • Boston United Track Club
  • Boston Waterfront Coalition
  • City of Boston
  • Codman Health Center
  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
  • Dimock Community Health Center
  • EV Kids
  • Fast Feet
  • HoodFit
  • Liberty Track Club
  • Live Fit Army
  • MetroCobras
  • PIONEERS Run Crew
  • Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center
  • Special Olympics Massachusetts
  • Stop & Shop
  • TrailblazHers Run Crew
  • Trinity Boston Connects
  • USA Paralympics
  • USATF Officials
  • Youth Enrichment Services
  • Youth Running Series
BRC Youth Development Meets

The BRC hosts 5 free youth developmental track meets for Boston youth ages 4-14 throughout the summer. Come join in the fun and try some different events. No experience necessary and all participants receive a ribbon.

Runners who are blind, have mobility challenges, and wheelchair athletes are encouraged to participate. Please email Suzanne Walmsley in advance for planning purposes. Events will include 50m 200m, 400m, 800m One Mile, Javelin Toss and Long Jump. Click here for more information and to register.

Summer Meets have concluded.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Grant Recipients 

In honor of the 125th Boston Marathon, the Boston Running Collaborative awarded $125,000 in grants to organizations that have engaged with the B.A.A. in work towards expanding athletic opportunities for all. The recipients of these grants include:

Learn More about the Boston Running Collaborative

If you would like to learn more or are interested in joining the BRC in the future please contact Suzanne Walmsley, Director of Youth & Community Engagement at, swalmsley@baa.org.

Boston Running Collaborative Request for Proposal
LEARN MORE

 

Media

B.A.A. Announces Boston Running Collaborative to Broaden Access to the Sport of Running Across Greater Boston