Dear Friends of Tracksmith,
I am proud to announce the launch of the Tracksmith Foundation. The goal is simple yet ambitious: to give more people the opportunity to participate in track and field. We believe the lessons learned from being part of a track and field team are the lessons that help create a more inclusive society.
Track and field is perhaps the most diverse sport in the world. A typical meet has 40 events – including sprints, jumps, throws and distance races - and it encourages athletes of different abilities, backgrounds, religions, races and socioeconomic status to build meaningful relationships through shared suffering in pursuit of a common goal. The combination of diversity and camaraderie instills a
commitment to tolerance, openness and empathy.
No one has done a better job illuminating the challenges facing the sport today than Russell Dinkins, the foundation’s Executive Director. For the past year, Tracksmith has been supporting Russell’s work to save college track and field programs from being eliminated. Now he’ll be able to continue this work through the foundation. And with your help, we will be able to create more opportunities and inspire broader participation through advocacy and assistance.
As a new year approaches, we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our sport than to host a New Years’ Eve spectacular in New York City. The Midnight Mile will be part gala, part track meet – a festive night of racing for all ages and abilities culminating at midnight when Nick Willis attempts to break 4:00 in the mile for the 20th consecutive year. You are all invited to join us - as racers, spectators,
or both. As a fundraiser for the foundation, guests have the option to be trackside with general admission tickets or on the infield for a unique spectating experience with cocktails
and hors d'oeuvres. I hope to see you there.
If you’re not able to attend the Midnight Mile, but would like to make a donation to the foundation, you can do so here.
All the best this holiday season,
Matt Taylor