Community. Movement. Black Joy.
Run Blk is reshaping fitness in the Twin Cities by creating a space where Black runners and walkers of all levels feel welcome. Founded in North Minneapolis, the community-based group brings people together to move, connect, and celebrate health — no pressure, just positive energy.
Running clubs in metropolitan areas like Minneapolis have a long history in the United States, shaped over the decades by shifting fitness trends and growing popularity. According to World Athletics, a nonprofit governing body for the sport, running clubs saw a significant surge during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic as people sought ways to combat isolation and build connection.
Running typically doesn’t come with the same barriers to entry as other sports — it’s low cost, requires minimal equipment, and can be done almost anywhere. But for many, concerns about safety and social intimidation can make running outside feel inaccessible.
In summer 2024, a running club called Run Blk was formed to address that gap. With the motto “Community for anyone looking to get active,” the group offers something that feels new to many across the Twin Cities: an accessible, inclusive running space intentionally created with Black community members in mind.
Bria Black, originally from Louisiana, moved to North Minneapolis seven years ago. She created Run Blk after recognizing that most running clubs weren’t welcoming to beginners or people looking for connection rather than competition.
“I went to a few run clubs. They didn’t really feel inclusive to people who are not extreme runners,” Black said. “And then after the run, everybody just kind of went home. I was craving community and connection with Black people.”
Inspired to fill that void, Black launched Run Blk in June 2023.
Founded with roots in North Minneapolis, the club quickly gained momentum as word spread about a space where Black runners and walkers of all levels were welcome. Now in its second year, Run Blk kicked off its summer season the evening of June 3 with a gathering outside The Get Down Coffee Co.
Among the crowd was Taelor Wright, a nurse and avid runner, who brought her mother, Amy Wright, a retired nurse visiting from Wisconsin. “I’m a runner, and she’s a walker,” Taelor said. “It’s hard for us to find spaces like this where some people are running and some are walking.”
“I think it’s important to know that there are people out here that can support you and will support you, and that are willing to go the extra mile for you,” Amy added. “With this group, we get that. I think it’s very important to have this.”
Kahlil Permenter, a chiropractor based in Burnsville, attended the event to show support and celebrate what Run Blk means to the broader Black community in Minnesota. “It’s super important because of imagery. We need to see more of this on the news,” Permenter said.
“There’s a lot of camaraderie here, a lot of community. We’re building something good. It’s nothing but positive vibes. More people need to see this. It’s also good for us — for our health, our mindset, our metabolic systems. It’s about our community, just showing that and representing it.”
That emphasis on health and wellness is especially exciting to fitness professionals like Valerie Fleurantin, known as Coach Val, who founded VF Health Fitness Solutions to address health disparities among communities of color.
“I’m a fitness instructor and also work as a lifestyle coach for disease prevention,” Fleurantin said. “Seeing all of us — this Black community — come out, enjoy the sunshine, walk together, build community, hype each other up, and support Black-owned businesses on the North Side is huge. We need this.”
As the group took off for their run or walk, cheers rang out for Aaisha Abdullahi, who ran the entire time. After finishing to applause and music outside The Get Down, she caught her breath and smiled.
“I enjoy running. Being able to do it with other people from a similar background is something I really wanted to find community in,” Abdullahi said. “It’s a great opportunity for me to stay physically active. People have been so welcoming — it’s been great to just be here and participate.”
Black, who ran her first 10K this year, only began running last year. A product manager and storyteller by day, she envisions Run Blk’s future evolving into a community-led organization.
“Hopefully people feel like it’s not owned by me, but by them — as a community,” she said. “If I’m not able to host, hopefully somebody feels connected enough to the mission to host their own. I hope it expands. More people. More runs. More locations. More moments. I hope it becomes something that belongs to all of us.”
Permenter, who also enjoys mountain biking, swimming and pickleball, emphasized that Run Blk welcomes people at every fitness level.
“There’s a little bit of everybody here,” he said. “I ran with a marathon runner today. She slowed her pace to let me keep up and motivated me the whole time. It was great to have someone in better shape to encourage me.”
The opportunity to meet people and build friendships is what keeps members coming back — and attracts new ones. “I came to almost every single one last summer,” Taelor said.
“I met people who are back here today. I met people I’m now friends with on Instagram. I’ve definitely made some deep connections here. Even today, some of my friends are back. They’re in the running group; I’m walking today, but it’s still nice to say hi and know someone here.”
Run Blk meets every first and third Tuesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. outside The Get Down Coffee Co. To learn more, follow @runblk on Instagram.
Bintah Kanteh is a contributing writer for MSR with interest in public policy and local immigrant communities.