Alison Desir and Her 240-Mile Run for Women's Rights

Jan 7

Alison's 240-mile run from NYC to Washington, DC, has already raised half the goal of $44,000 for Planned Parenthood as of January 8. To donate, click here.

When Alison Desir, the founder of Harlem Run, does something, she goes all out. Whether that's creating a running movement or coaching hundreds of runners, Alison continues to push the envelope with her strong leadership. In a time where it's so easy to just like and share on social media, write a Facebook rant, or post a meme and feel like you've contributed to society, Alison has stepped up to DO SOMETHING. And that something is taking a stand for women's rights, when women's voices, personal health and respect for women has been threatened. From the aftermath of an election where basic human rights were put on the chopping block, Alison has emerged as a beacon of hope for anyone who is concerned for the universal right to live peacefully and equally.

Alison's latest project is a 240-mile run to empower women everywhere.

On January 18, Alison and a team of women runners will start a 240-mile run from Harlem, New York City to Washington, DC to attend the Million Women March on Washington and raise $44,000 for Planned Parenthood. The $44,000 is to honor the 44th President, Barack Obama, while raising funds for women's health.

The 240-mile distance translates to running about two marathons a day.

"It began as a solo run," Alison says. "Then Talisa (@ultrarunningchick81) joined in, then Quita (@quitatheroadrunner) and Kim (@run_is_to), and from there it's grown to dozens of women! Women will join us for portions along the way, joining in as we run south. One of my favorite quotes is 'if you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together.' As a result of all of the interest, we will be able to split up the mileage and really inspire a movement."

Check out more on Alison's empowering run on Bustle, NY Magazine, and BET.

To support this running movement of courage and strength, donate here. To sign up to join the run along part of the route, join here.

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer, USATF, and RRCA-certified running coach and the creator of Runstreet Art Runs, which bring together communities through running and street art. She is a Brooklyn resident, trainer, Akita mom, and writer. She enjoys running coaching, traveling, art, and eating messily. You can follow her running and events at @Runstreet Instagram and Runstreet Facebook and follow her on Twitter for more on her running adventures.