Running While Black

Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn't Built for Us

By: Alison Mariella Désir

Narrated by: Alison Mariella Désir

A searing exposé on the whiteness of running, a supposedly egalitarian sport, and a call to reimagine the industry

“Runners know that running brings us to ourselves. But for Black people, the simple act of running has never been so simple. It is a declaration of the right to move through the world. If running is claiming public space, why, then, does it feel like a negotiation?”

Running saved Alison Désir’s life. At rock bottom and searching for meaning and structure, Désir started marathon training, finding that it vastly improved both her physical and mental health. Yet as she became involved in the community and learned its history, she realized that the sport was largely built with white people in mind.

Running While Black draws on Désir’s experience as an endurance athlete, activist, and mental health advocate to explore why the seemingly simple, human act of long distance running for exercise and health has never been truly open to Black people. Weaving historical context—from the first recreational running boom to the horrific murder of Ahmaud Arbery—together with her own story of growth in the sport, Désir unpacks how we got here and advocates for a world where everyone is free to safely experience the life-changing power of movement.

As America reckons with its history of white supremacy across major institutions, Désir argues that, as a litmus test for an inclusive society, the fitness industry has the opportunity to lead the charge—fulfilling its promise of empowerment.

©2022 Alison Mariella Désir (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Running While Black speaks directly to the anguish Black runners live with while running through a white supremacist world. Alison provides readers a behind-the-scenes view of what it is to be Black and a runner: constantly minimized, removed, and erased altogether. Her writing is thought-provoking and provides readers with inspiration to enact change.”—Alysia Montaño, Olympian and six-time USA Outdoor Track and Field 800-meter winner

“In Running While Black, Désir deftly weaves together family histories, Black history, and Black running history to produce a powerful narrative of personal discovery. The quest to belong, to exhale, and to be free resounds off these pages. The act of running while Black is both freeing and risky; it is the breath and the gasp for air. This aptly named book invites us into that contradiction. Désir's journey—and her words—demonstrate the work of carving out space, of building community, challenging racism, and disrupting whitewashed industries. It compels us to lace up and join her on the road.”—Amira Rose Davis, Professor of African and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Texas-Austin, author of Can’t Eat a Medal and cohost of the podcast Burn It All Down

“Running While Black by Alison Mariella Désir is a must read for anyone interested in running, the power of sport, racism, and mental health. She skillfully weaves the history of running with the reality of racism and racial restrictions in America while demonstrating how transformative running could be. Reading this book should encourage everyone to support running for everyone.”—Richard Lapchick, PhD, human rights activist, author, founder of the Institute for Sport and Social Justice, and director of the Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport

Life changing!

This book is so well put together! I learned, I laughed, I cried, I got angry, I received advise…I now feel like I know what I am to do. - A Black Man That Runz

Prepare to Question Everything You Thought You Knew About Running

Essential reading for runners and non-runners alike. The wealth of history shared in these pages, along with the stories of the intentional
erasure of Blackness from the running story in our country was heartbreaking but so illuminating at the same time. It was amazing to see my own thoughts and feelings reflected and validated in so many ways during Alison’s story and I definitely have a deeper appreciation for the trailblazers of this sport as well as those fighting now for our place at the starting line and in history after reading this.

Amazing Read!

This is a masterpiece of reality, grit, dedication and making space for all runners. This book has transformed me in ways I can not explain. Thank you for this gift!

Excellent Insight

This was an excellent book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It truly spoke to the same feelings and experiences that I have had since taking up running.

The author does an excellent job breaking down the history of distance running in this country. This was an inspiring read that I will definitely make reference to.

Black & Brown

I thoroughly loved this book from beginning to end! Alison you hit the nail on the coffin. I appreciate you sharing your story and being raw. I think more people should share and be raw because that’s when the realness comes to surface. I plan to follow in your footsteps and make my voice heard. I am Adrian from Brooklyn who knows Alison and can tell you that she’s is an amazing BLACK WOMAN who is making waves and I LOVE IT!!

Powerful.

Alison’s narrative shares the powerful perspective of how far the collective running community needs to go to be inclusive to black (and brown) participants. Filled with personal experience and historical moments, this is a great book, read by the author.

Must read

Runner or not, everyone should listen to/read this book. I’ve learned more than I ever have about the Black history of running from Désir than I likely would have in the span of my life otherwise. Please do yourself a favor and listen to/read this book.

Amazing

This is a engaging narrative that ties in important history and themes. The call to actions are inspiring and the part many of my readings have fell short. Like any marathon the completion left me wondering how do do better next training season.

An amazing story about herself and about us!

This book is so beautiful! Alison’s narration really brings her story to life. I can feel the moments as if I was there experiencing them with her. I learned so much about the untold Black history in running and it has super charged my passion. Thank you for writing this book!

Beautifully Written

Wow! What an amazing book! With a story that needed to be told! Thank you Alison Désir for writing this book, for speaking for those that cannot speak. Thank you!!