Boston Running Collaborative | Boston Athletic Association

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.