Saucony Is Running 2.23 Miles to Honor Ahmaud Arbery and Donating $22,300 to the 2:23 Foundation

Peter Verry

23 February 2021 at 12:39 pm·2-min read

On the anniversary of Ahmaud Arbery’s death, Saucony is running for charity in his memory.

Today, the brand emailed its customers stating it is running 2.23 miles in honor of Arbery. Also, it announced a donation of $22,300 to the 2:23 Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to fight systemic injustice through “scholarships, training, leadership opportunities and tools to pursue public offices.”

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“Running, at its very best, is one of the most freeing experiences. We realize, however, that to run free and without fear is a privilege,” Saucony wrote in an email to customers. “Exactly one year ago, Ahmaud Arbery was shot and killed while jogging. If this past year has taught us anything, it’s that condolences are not enough — meaningful action must take place.”

In the email, Saucony encouraged others to join the 2:23 Foundation virtual event, Finish the Run, which is asking people to run 2.23 miles and share photos using the #FinishTheRun and #223fdn hashtags.

There are several ways to track the distance, including MapMyRun.com, downloading the Strava app and hitting record, and others. Times can be posted via Elitefeats.com/results and clicking on this event. (Up to five photos can also be uploaded here.)

The entry fee for the event is $23, and all proceeds will go to a scholarship fund created to offer “the opportunity to become future lawyers, local leaders, policymakers and social engineers.” If you cannot run today, the nonprofit is allowing runners to upload times and photos until March 3.

For those not interested in running but still want to help, the 2:23 Foundation is also accepting donations via the event website.

Arbery, an unarmed 25-year-old Black man, was shot and killed while jogging in Georgia. His death, and the arrests of Gregory and Travis McMichael on murder and aggravated assault charges months after the shooting, were at the center of the national racial inequality discussions that dominated 2020.