The Race 2025: The Largest Black Running Event in the United States

The Race participants of 2022, courtesy of The Race Media Kit

• Highlight - Year 8 of The Race brought thousands of runners, walkers, and wellness lovers to Atlanta’s West End and East Point communities for what has become the biggest Black running event in the nation—a weekend celebrating endurance, culture, and on grounds of IMPACT Church that encourage faith-fueled wellness.

• Context - Hosted on the grounds of IMPACT Church in East Point, Georgia, The Race 2025 kicked off with an energy that felt both joyful and sacred. The event featured a Half Marathon, 5K, and virtual race options, along with an expo and festival celebrating fitness, faith, and community investment. Proudly rooted in purpose since 2018, The Race continues to merge Black excellence with wellness, economic empowerment, and collective uplift—proving that we run stronger together.

The Atlanta Chapter of Black Girls Run led by Sierra Grigsby & Brandie McGhee had dope positive beats, encouragement, refreshment & more in full effect at the half mile mark from pre-dawn throughout race day.

One of the weekend’s standout moments came from Sika Henry, the first Black American woman to become a professional triathlete. Her presence electrified the course as she led the half marathon pack alongside her pace runner, embodying excellence, resilience, and representation. Henry, who earned her pro card in 2021 after surviving a career-threatening bike crash, now uses her platform to advocate for diversity in endurance sports and to inspire future athletes from underrepresented communities.

Sika Henry, first Black American woman to earn professional triathlete status going very strong at the 7 mile mark

Adina Crawford, Ambassador of the Black Girls Run Washington D.C. Chapter came through strong with fellow BGR D.C. runners

“Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure." -Adina Crawford, Black Girls Run, Washington D.C. Ambassador

Black Men Run of Atlanta Representing @ The Race

After the race, the celebration continued with a full festival on the IMPACT Church grounds, featuring a basketball court, wellness lawn for group workouts, and dozens of vendors including ProBlk Health, Chicago Girl Bakery, and the Black MLK Drumline 5K, which featured the world’s longest drumline. The energy was unmatched—families, runners, and supporters danced, ate, and connected in an atmosphere that felt like revival meets block party.

What made this year particularly special was the deep link between faith and fitness. IMPACT Church’s message—“Connect to your faith & wellness”—set the spiritual tone. Every smile, every stride, and every moment of encouragement echoed the truth that our bodies are temples and that movement is worship.

ProBlk Health within the Expo for The Race

One vendor within the expo for The Race which particularly stood out was ProBlk Health, the nation’s leading Black doctor–owned vitamin company, amplified that message with a mission rooted in healing the mind, body, and spirit of our community. Founded by Dr. Karleena Tuggle-McDaniel (Howard University College of Medicine) and Darian McDaniel (Morehouse College), ProBlk Health donates 50% of its net profits to nonprofits advancing Black health. Their presence at The Race reminded everyone that our well-being is both personal and collective—an act of love for ourselves and each other.

Tips/Key Take-A-Ways

• Faith Is Fuel – Whether it’s a marathon, a workday, or a season of life, endurance isn’t just physical—it’s spiritual. As IMPACT Church and their powerful signage reminded us, connecting faith and wellness keeps the temple strong.

• Representation Heals– Sika Henry’s story proves that visibility changes possibilities. Representation isn’t vanity—it’s vision, showing our sons and daughters what’s possible through perseverance.

• Community Is Medicine – The Race is proof that joy, movement, and togetherness restore what the world depletes. When we come together to run, laugh, dance, and give back, we heal on every level.

Next Steps & Questions to Ask Yourself

• Mindful Reflection: God, what are You asking me to endure in this season, and how can I strengthen my temple—body, mind, and spirit—to do it well?

• Explore Resources: For more mindful tools and playlists rooted in faith and wellness, visit our official compensated Amazon Influencer page, download the Chill Sister App, or check the resources page at HipHopTruth.com.