In 2019, Courtney Phillips, founder of GumboFit, set out to create a space where Black and Brown runners could find visibility, representation, and community in Chicago’s fitness culture. What began as a personal fitness journey evolved into a movement that now serves hundreds. GumboFit has built a family of athletes, united by a shared commitment to health and wellness, while also challenging cultural and racial barriers in the running world.
Recognizing GumboFit’s impact, Nike partnered with Courtney and her team to further amplify their efforts, offering resources and support to strengthen the initiative. The partnership not only elevated GumboFit’s reach but also helped inspire a new wave of diverse runners to step into spaces traditionally lacking representation.
This collaboration is about more than fitness—it’s about creating intentional community spaces where passion, representation, and purpose intersect. For GumboFit, running became a metaphor for life’s journey—facing challenges, one step at a time, with the power of community propelling them forward.
Together, GumboFit and Nike are blazing a trail, showing the world that community is at the heart of every movement.
