Until Every Runner Belongs
Highlighting the unique and diverse community of runners.
About the Campaign
Until Every Runner Belong's mission is to amplify members' voices of our community who offer a unique perspective with many diverse backgrounds.
A Healing Place for Runners
We want Friendship Miles to be a community that provides education and a safe space for all to belong and share their voice, ultimately providing a healing experience supporting mental and physical health for our wider community. The project directly supports Mental Health Awareness Month (May) and Pride (June).
Meet the Runners
Benjamin Bailey
He/They
Ben is a professional musician and business professional who has found a deep and restorative connection with running. What began during COVID era quickly evolved into a passionate pursuit, especially as running became a vital outlet during a challenging period for their mental health this past spring. For Ben, running isn’t just a form of exercise—it’s a sanctuary where they process emotions, build lasting community bonds, and truly feel alive. Despite currently navigating the recovery from a knee injury, Ben remains optimistic and driven, harboring the inspiring goal of becoming a marathoner one day. The running community has been instrumental in their journey, offering support and validation as they continue to grow and evolve. Ben is eager to share the cherished gift of running, while thoughtfully managing the challenges along the way.
Kyria Phenix
She/Her
Kyria is a devoted wife and mom to two wonderful boys who inspire her every day. In February 2023, she embraced running as a way to nurture her mental health, beginning with a low-commitment couch-to-5k journey. By the time she completed her first 5k in April 2023, Kyria had discovered a passion not only for running but also for the exhilaration of race days and the warmth of the running community. She is driven by a desire to make a positive impact and to remind others that despite our differences, we all share common threads—especially in our journeys forward. Kyria is passionate about connecting with people, celebrating our unique paths, and affirming that everyone is worthy, valued, and belongs. Her journey reflects both a celebration of personal growth and a heartfelt mission to inspire others along the way.
Brittany Hayes
She/Her
Brittany has spent her adolescence playing lacrosse, but it was during her freshman year of college that she discovered a new form of movement—a run that quickly evolved into a profound passion. What began as a personal escape quickly became a priority that taught her lessons applied in earning her master’s degree, succeeding in her corporate role, and building meaningful relationships. Her journey with running eventually led her to Friendship Miles, a mission that holds a special place in the Grand Rapids community. She’s committed to destigmatizing mental health and celebrating the power of movement and community, recognizing that even the simple act of leaving the house can be a triumph.
Abbey Trombley
She/Her
Abbey is a vibrant 25-year-old runner whose competitive spirit was shaped early on by growing up with three brothers who loved a good challenge. Although she only laced up her shoes at 23, Abbey quickly discovered that running was the perfect way to support her mental health and find a welcoming community when she felt lonely. Now, alongside her two energetic doggos, Bucky and Keko, she embraces life with an "always down for anything" attitude. Abbey is passionate about creating connections—she understands what it's like to stand on the sidelines and yearn for a group where everyone feels welcome. That's why she’s so eager to lead by example in the running community, ready to greet every new face with warmth and encouragement. While she's most excited about meeting even more people who share her love for running, she admits to feeling a bit nervous about opening up and being taken seriously. Abbey's commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive environment shines through in every step she takes on her running journey.
Caro Kawada
She/Her
Caro is a people person who thrives in community-centered roles—both in HR and as a fitness instructor. She discovered running in 2023 while seeking a new fitness passion, and it has since transformed her life by deepening her focus on personal development, relationships, and even the simple joy of savoring a Rise Bakery apple fritter. Having experienced the powerful impact of Friendship Miles firsthand, Caro joined this mission to show that anyone can belong in our community and to highlight how running enriches every aspect of life. While she’s excited to share her journey and celebrate the good, she admits that being vulnerable can be a bit nerve-wracking for her.
Sponsorship
Help Every Runner Belong
As a non-profit, we are seeking sponsors and partners to widen our efforts. In our mission to educate and amplify our mission we are seeking the following category partners:
- Financial Health - SOLD (Honor Credit Union)
- Gear/Apparel/Community - SOLD (Gazelle Sports)
- Mental Health Resources (The On Earth Project)
- Physical Health (gyms, yoga, etc) (OPEN)
- Nutrition/Dietetics (OPEN)
- LGBTQIA Resources (OPEN)
- Other (OPEN) Sponsorship funding $500 - $5,000
Our focus is to amplify these voices outward to many who identify with their unique perspective and to those who can learn from this perspective. We believe this will create more safety and allyship in the wider running community.
Get in touch!
Sammie Bennett
Founder
Send us a message :)
Friendship Miles is a non-profit organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan with an emphasis on slowing down our running community to amplify some bigger systemic issues some folks face and focus on making new friends, no matter how you or they show up. Our running and walking community lacks diversity and excludes many folks that want to participate in free social movement, but feel as if they don’t belong. The best ambassadors for change are in great numbers and Friendship Miles mission serves as a way to spark inspiration, educate, and empower so we can redefine running.