District Pulse x Altra: Elevating the DC Running Scene Through Diversity and Connection
From the moment I walked in, I felt the buzz of the running community in full celebration mode. Brittany set the tone expertly—this was not just a pre-race get-together for the Marine Corps Marathon weekend, but a gathering of creators, athletes, and brand partners all aligned around the idea of community, content, and inclusion. I was proud to be part of a space where serious training talk mingled with brand storytelling and behind-the-scenes authenticity.
One of the highlights for me was the panel discussions. Featuring content creators, community leaders, and brand reps, they offered real talk about how to build meaningful connections (not just followers) and how brands can partner authentically with runners and creators—not simply as logos, but as collaborators in story. The moderators steered conversation toward how brands can show up for diverse athletes, build inclusive experiences, and amplify voices often under-represented in the endurance world. As someone who coaches women of color and runs with a team of women of color, this was especially meaningful for me.
That leads me to one of the key brand partners: Altra. They weren’t just on the sidelines—they were deeply involved. From the promotional material I saw, “District Pulse, powered by Altra” was the tagline. Instagram Altra’s presence was more than sponsorship; they hosted activations, offered content support, and committed to being part of the narrative of diversifying the running community. Their goals of diversity, equity and inclusion were woven into the event—not just on paper but in action. Altra is actively working on outreach in the running space, building partnerships with under-represented runners and communities. Being there, I saw how they engaged with athletes from every background, asked questions, listened to creators of color, and provided a stage. For me, personally, that meant a brand that understands the value of representation and is willing to put in the work.
Another piece that resonated: the atmosphere. It was inclusive, joyful, and professional. There was space for light moments—networking, photo ops, gear talk—but also for deeper reflection: how we build our community, how we tell our stories, how we invite others in. I saw faces I know from the DC running world alongside newer folks discovering their fit in our space. The mingling of creators, coaches, runners, and brands felt intentional. The message was clear: running is a platform, and the community is stronger when everyone has a seat at the table.
On a personal level, as someone who leads teams, coaches fitness for women of color, and builds community through my brand Unity Performance Club, this event felt aligned with everything I’m working toward. It reinforced why we need these spaces. I left energized, with new contacts, fresh ideas for content, and reaffirmed commitment to building inclusive running experiences.
To Brittany and the Chocolate City Relay team: thank you for creating a space that not only celebrates the race but pioneers what community can look like in the endurance world. To Altra: thank you for showing up beyond the check-box. This event reminded me that when creators, brands, and community align, the ripple effect is real.
I’m excited to carry the momentum forward—into training, content creation, and the mission of ensuring all runners feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Here's to many more events like District Pulse.