RUN THE BLOCK

An initiative to expand entrepreneurship and ownership in the running industry by connecting aspiring business owners with funding, mentorship, and resources to bring their vision to life.

ABOUT

RUN THE BLOCK is RIDC’s entrepreneurship initiative designed to expand ownership and long-term economic opportunity within the running industry.

The inaugural RUN THE BLOCK award supported the launch of a new BIPOC-owned running specialty store through a $200,000 investment from Brooks Running and dedicated mentorship from Karnan Associates.

Carol and Jesse Holland opened HARAKA Walk & Run in Prince George’s County, marking an important milestone in demonstrating what’s possible when capital, partnership, and community support align.

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  • “In my role at Brooks, I’ve worked with an amazing group of owners in the running specialty industry for years. Carol and Jesse are an excellent addition, with great business acumen and, more importantly, the aspiration and spirit to learn and continue to ask questions that I’m confident will drive their success. I am excited to finally see Haraka open their doors so that the running community can benefit from their passion.”

    – Rick Wilhelm, VP, U.S. Specialty Retail Accounts

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

RUN THE BLOCK is grounded in three core principles: economic prosperity, community strength, and health. These values guide our efforts to expand ownership within the running industry, support long-term business success, and strengthen the communities that sustain the sport.

  • RUN THE BLOCK supports entrepreneurs in becoming owners within the running industry by providing access to capital, mentorship, and industry connections. This investment helps strengthen local economies, create jobs, and expand long-term pathways to generational wealth and leadership within the sport.

  • RUN THE BLOCK strengthens communities through sustained investment in running businesses. By supporting entrepreneurs who are rooted in and responsive to their communities, these businesses can serve as hubs for connection, collaboration, and long-term local vitality.

  • We recognize that economic opportunity and stability are closely tied to overall health and well-being. By expanding pathways to ownership within the running industry, RUN THE BLOCK supports environments that promote movement, confidence, connection, and long-term quality of life for individuals and the communities they serve.

As RIDC continues to support the success of this new store, the next phase of RUN THE BLOCK will focus on building a stronger pipeline of future owners and entrepreneurs across the running industry. RUN THE BLOCK reflects RIDC’s commitment to expanding who owns, leads, and builds within the running industry.

RUN THE BLOCK

RUN THE BLOCK

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