2025 Boston Marathon Community Events Through the RIDC Lens
Want to get more involved with the BIPOC community during the Boston Marathon weekend?
Here’s a list of some events to check out! Missing an event? Let us know!
RUN THE CULTURE: PIONEERS AND TRAILBLAZHERS
Always so much to see and do with the local Boston running crews! TrailblazHERs Run Co. and Pioneers Run Crew are linking up for a week of movement, vibes, and celebration.
From shakeout runs and cheer zones to marathons and afterparties we’re building something bigger than miles. Tap in, pull up, and feel the energy.
04.16 – 04.21
TRANSLATING TRACK TO DISTANCE RUNNING
Join us for a powerful panel featuring some of the most influential voices in the sport as we explore how track and field excellence translates into distance running success.
This conversation brings together legends and emerging leaders—including several Black Unicorners—for an engaging afternoon of insight, inspiration, and connection.
📍 Reggie Lewis Track and Field Center
📅 Thursday, April 18 | 1:00–2:30 PM
👟 Walk + Talk session included
Brooks Boston Marathon Hyperion House Panel
The Power Of Community in Running: Join us in a conversation hosted by Kiera Smalls from the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) as we talk with Vanessa Peralta Mitchell, Founder of Game Changers and James Dowell Jr, Co-Founder of Prolyfyck Run Crew to learn more first-hand about the power of run communities and the benefits of training leaders to go out into their own communities and feel empowered to inspire the next runner to achieve their goals, big and small.
When: Friday, April 18th, 3-4pm
Where: 141 Newbury Street Boston, MA 02116
Run As One Panel
Exploring the Spectrum of the Move Maker—a conversation connecting Saucony’s diverse Friends & Family through one common intersection, running. Register here.
featuring
Katherine Johnson, Common Ace CEO
Sidney Baptista, Founder of PYNRS
Jason Faustino, Director of Energy & Collaborations and RIDC Board Member
Avalon Greene, CNCPTS Social Manager
Date: Friday, April 18
Time: 4:30 PM - 6 PM
Location: Cafe Landwer Back Bay
RUNNER SAFETY
Join the conversation:
Friday, April 18 | 5:00 PM
Boston Marathon Expo – Main Stage
Featuring: Deena Kastor, Thomas Eller, Rochelle Solomon, Ryan Montgomery
Hosted by: Lorna Campbell
ASL interpretation available
MEET THE BIB RUNNERS
Rising Hearts and On hosting a meet and greet April 19th 9:30-11:30am at Lyrik, food and drinks provided, giveaways, blessing of the runners and more! In the Expo!
Celebrate and Connect Expo
Join the Black Unicorn Marathoners for a celebration expo. Free and open to the public.
NATIVES RUN!
For the first time in marathon history, two Nipmunc runners will be competing! This oldest and most well-known marathon in the world takes place on on Nipmunc and Massachusetts tribal homelands, making it all the more special.
📅 April 20th
⏰ 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
📍Hopkinton Center for the Arts
EXPO
12:00 p.m.The Future of Indigenous Running: Youth, Representation & Opportunity
Featuring Patti Dillon, Larry Spotted Crow Mann, Verna Volker, Ben Burgess
