Running saved Alison Mariella Désir’s life. At rock bottom and searching formeaning and structure, Désir started marathon training, finding that it vastlyimproved both her physical and mental health. Yet as she became involved in thecommunity and learned its history, she realized that the sport was largely builtwith white people in mind. To help make running more inclusive and welcomingto people of color, Désir founded Harlem Run, an NYC-based running movement,and Run 4 All Women, which has raised over $150,000 for Planned Parenthoodand $270,000 for Black Voters Matter.Désir is currently co-chair of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, a Run Happy Advocate for Brooks Running,and an Athlete Advisor for Oiselle. A graduate of Columbia University for her bachelor’s and two master’s degrees,including a master’s of education in counseling psychology, Alison has been published in Outside Magazine,contributed the foreword for Running is My Therapy by Scott Douglas, and founded the Meaning Thru MovementTour, a speaking series featuring mental health experts and fitness professionals. Running While Black is her firstbook. Alison Mariella Désir currently lives with her son, Kouri Henri, and partner, Amir Muhammad Figueroa,outside of Seattle.

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