Specialty-running stores are seldom just places to buy shoes; as community hubs, they serve as places where runners of all skill levels can gather to learn, connect, and train. In this way, they’re essential to the sport, key landmarks in its growing future. However, the demographics these small businesses cater to often fail people of color. So, we spoke to Victor Diaz, owner of Renegade Running, a run-specialty store rooted in Oakland, CA, to learn about how he’s creating a space that’s engaged with the diverse culture it’s a part of; the ways we can go about improving BIPOC representation in running; allyship; and much more.  

TOPICS & TIMES

• The importance of specialty-running stores (1:45)
• Oakland, CA’s running culture (3:00)
• Victor’s background in public education (10:42)
• How Renegade approaches merchandising (17:07)
• Representation in running (25:13)
• Practical ways to make the sport more inclusive (36:18)
• The future of Renegade Running (40:01)
• What does “Renegade” mean? (45:50)
• How to support the store & its mission (48:32)

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