Remembering Ahmaud Arbery: Six Years Later, the Work Continues

Six years ago, Ahmaud Arbery—a runner, a Black man—was murdered while doing something so many of us consider routine—going out for a run near his home. His death sent shockwaves through the running community and far beyond it, forcing a reckoning with a painful truth: while running is often seen as the great equalizer, it is not, and has never been equally safe for everyone. As we mark the sixth anniversary of Ahmaud’s senseless murder, as an organization we pause to honor his life, acknowledge the profound loss of a loving son and friend, and reflect on the responsibility his legacy places on all of us who love this sport.

Ahmaud’s murder was an eye-opening catalyst for change within the running industry. It shattered long-held assumptions about who gets to feel safe on the roads, sidewalks, trails, and track where many runners train and find respite. For many—particularly runners of color and women—Ahmaud’s murder was not a complete shock, and his death made this reality impossible for the broader community to ignore. As news of Ahmaud’s death spread, the industry was met face-to-face with the systematic inequities and dangers that many of our community members have faced, and that have gone unrecognized for far too long. His murder sparked difficult conversations, collective grief, and an urgency to move from awareness to action.

Over the last six years, meaningful steps have been taken to make running safer, more inclusive, and more equitable. One notable step was the formation of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC), a collective of brands, organizations, and committed individuals with a shared mission to unite the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The RIDC represents a shared acknowledgment that change requires collaboration, accountability, and sustained effort, and provides a framework for the industry to begin addressing long-standing gaps.

At New York Road Runners, Ahmaud’s legacy has deepened our commitment to creating a running community where everyone belongs and feels safe. That commitment shows up in how we examine our own practices, support initiatives that advance equity and justice, and listen to and provide a platform for the voices that have too often been marginalized within the sport.

While incredible progress has been made through the RIDC, and its members, we must be clear: the work is far from done—one-time statements and performative gestures will never take the place of true, lasting commitment. Runners are still profiled, harassed, and harmed mentally and physically, simply for existing and running in public spaces. As we remember Ahmaud Arbery today, it’s important to truly honor his life by recommitting ourselves to building a future where tragedies like this never happen again. We encourage our community to continue learning, listening, and taking action. To learn more about how to support Ahmaud’s legacy, visit ahmaudarberyfoundation.org.