The running group for women with minority backgrounds has grown in 1 year!
It has now been 1 year since we started the running group for women with minority backgrounds in collaboration with our ambassador Jevi Majid. We are incredibly proud of this collaboration! Here is a status report written by Jevi:
I saw the need to make room for more inclusion in running for minority women and create a big community. The idea was to invite and gather a group every week, where you can feel both a sense of belonging and a sense of accomplishment. Mhe aim is to lower the threshold for exercise by offering free indoor running classes. Almost nine months later, a majority of majority who ran the BMW Oslo Marathon in the streets of Oslo.
Lowering the threshold for physical activity
As a result of weekly running groups inside the mill and out on the asphalt, we have now reached dozens of women from minority backgrounds who want to run in more races, increase their distance and become more active. It has been important to lower the threshold for physical activity by offering FREE participation in the running groups and free starting places for the women in the group. At the same time, the fact that the running groups were headed by a person with a minority background as a coach and running leader has had a significant impact. Representation and diversity allow more people to see themselves in the same role and position.
Hijab at Bislett Stadium is now the new normal
Over the course of a year, the group has run many laps around Lambertseter Stadium, Østensjøvannet and Bislett Stadium. In snowy weather, slippery ice, rain and sunshine, the women have turned up, although the sub-zero temperatures have led to somewhat less participation. The offer is there for those who need a community where running and good dialog are put at the forefront. We have inspired several people who may not even have been in the running group to register for the half marathon and marathon. We know this because we have received feedback on it - that we inspire, that the women who ran the BMW Oslo Marathon made it happen.
Sometimes you just need to see that this is the new normal. That physical activity, running and exercise is something for everyone and not just those who run fast and fit in better. Hijab at Bislett Stadium is now the new normal and the group has an important task. An important link to public health, the women have reported improved stamina, better mental health and have now become addicted to running.
Happy birthday to the running group!
Hip hip!
