The IRONMAN® Foundation announced partnerships with Black Kids Swim®, Black Runners Connection, and Major Taylor Cycling Club to build awareness and expand outreach in support of its Race For ChangeTM diversity initiative. The IRONMAN Foundation and the three affinity sports clubs will implement programming to address potential participation barriers that might prevent Black and other diverse athlete groups from competing in triathlons.
In 2020, with the mission to ensure equity for athletes in the sport of triathlon and the communities where IRONMAN athletes and first-time hopefuls live, train, and race, Race for Change was launched by The IRONMAN Foundation and The IRONMAN Group with an initial pledge of $1 million to support programming.
To kick off the collaboration, members from Black Kids Swim, Black Runners Connection, and Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance will form Race For Change relay teams to compete in several 2022 IRONMAN 70.3® events throughout the United States. The goal behind the Race For Change relay teams is to foster support for The IRONMAN Foundation’s diversity initiative and inspire more diverse athletes to consider IRONMAN events. The Race For Change relay teams will take part in the following races:
- May 22: Sunbelt Bakery IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship Chattanooga Presented by McKee: A Family Bakery
- June 26: Maytag IRONMAN 70.3 Steelhead
- October 1: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital IRONMAN 70.3 Memphis
“We are thrilled to be teaming up with Black Kids Swim, Black Runners Connection, and Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance through our Race for Change diversity initiative. We consider these groundbreaking partnerships an important collaboration as we seek to remove participation barriers to welcome more people into our sport,” said Audra Tassone-Indeck, Executive Director of the IRONMAN Foundation.
Black Kids Swim is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing Black participation in competitive swimming. It encourages Black families to take advantage of the academic, professional, and personal opportunities available through proficient swim skills. Black Kids Swim wants to see Black children do more than ‘survive’ in the water. The organization helps Black children develop valuable techniques, sportsmanship, and discipline that can benefit them physically and professionally their entire lives.
“There is an immense amount of untapped talent in the Black swimming community that needs assistance and recognition,” said Black Kids Swim Founder and Executive Director Ebony Rosemond. “Black Kids Swim recognizes triathlon is growing in popularity and will soon become an NCAA sport. We view this exciting partnership with IRONMAN Foundation’s Race for Change initiative as something that will increase Black participation in both competitive swimming and triathlons.”
Black Runners Connection is a group that encourages Black people to embrace distance running throughout the world. It has more than 8,500 members nationwide and promotes the idea of a healthy mind and body as an athlete.
“Running is one of the most popular sports, and it is celebrated by being part of the largest endurance sport in the world,” said James Ravenell, president, and CEO of Black Runners Connection. “Being asked to be a part of IRONMAN Foundation’s Race For Change initiative will showcase how Black runners can participate in triathlons.”
Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance was named for Marshall “Major” Taylor, who in 1899 became the first Black American world champion in cycling. Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance is an all-inclusive cycling organization that looks to promote good health by supporting recreational and cycling activities in the community. It has clubs throughout the United States and overseas in Canada and Nairobi, Kenya.
“One of the goals of Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance is to show how inclusive cycling is and how it’s for all communities,’ said Bill Gaston, president of Major Taylor International Cycling Alliance. “We are excited and proud that the IRONMAN Foundation’s Race for Change initiative has invited our club to help with its diversity and inclusion efforts. Removing barriers and creating awareness of the multisport world is our goal. This is yet another avenue in the cycling community to be explored.”
Pro-triathlete coach, Morgon Latimore, will serve as a mentor and help each Race for Change relay team prep for their event. For more information on The IRONMAN Group, its brands, and global event series, click HERE.
