“Now it’s time to put it into play.

WhenDora Atimstarted running at 19, she never expected it to stick.

She was only doing it to supplement her boxing training.

Meet running coach Dora Atim, a trail runner pushing for more POC representation in the sport.

One day, everything clicked.

That opened up so many possibilities, she says.

Thats when Atim foundedUltra Black Running, a community for Black women and non-binary runners.

Tell me more about why a community like Ultra Black Running is so badly needed.

In 2020, trail running was making me feel amazing.

It was the only way I could process that time.

But when I was out on the trails, people would stop and ask me what I was doing.

It was bizarre clearly, I was running, but it made me feel like I didnt belong.

I became really anxious and depressed and decided not to run for a while.

I was just letting it all out.

I texted the group chat and said, Girlies, were going on a trail run.

And thats how I birthed Ultra Black Running.

What can non-Black folks do to make the running community more inclusive?

It doesnt have to just be me; it doesnt have to just be Black women.

Those who are supporting us and who are in our corner every step of the way can also help.

But everyone gets things wrong instead, the intention just has to be there.

Weve done years of listening and learning.

What can the running industry do to make itself more accessible to all runners?

Its all about removing barriers to entry.

Or do you have shuttle services?

Its the same with race entry fees.

Just because you cant afford something doesnt mean that you should be excluded from it.

These changes come with talking to community leaders and organizers.

Tell me about your work with youth.

My greatest accomplishment is a mentorship program withBadu Sportsfor young women of color.

It connects them with jobs in the world of sports or as athletes.

This all links back to running.

But justgo for a run to clear your head.

What do you hope the running world looks like in the future?

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.