GU Energy Labs funds 2024 scholarship for Alison Mariella Désir’s Alaskan BIPOC Running Camps

January 16, 2024

 Berkeley, CA (January 16, 2023)/OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – GU Energy Labs is pleased to announce the addition of athlete and activist Alison Mariella Désir to their roster for 2024. As a part of this relationship, GU has pledged two $1,000 scholarships to Alison Mariella Désir’s BIPOC-focused Running, Racing and Glacier Kayaking event in the summer of 2024.

Désir—author of Running While Black , founder of Harlem Run, and host of the currently streaming television show Out and Back with Alison Mariella Désir— knows well the power of representation in traditionally white athletic spaces. After seeing a Black friend train for and complete a marathon, Désir was inspired to do the same, and has gone on to be a leading advocate for greater access for BIPOC communities in trail and road running.

As a part of this work, Désir is organizing her second annual BIPOC-focused retreat during the Copper River Salmon Jam running and community event held in Cordova, AK on July 19^th and 20^th 2024. Désir’s retreat, running from July 18-23, will include food and lodging and will boast activities like running, kayaking, and racing in the Salmon Run.

“BIPOC face so many barriers when entering the trail running space – lack of safety, accessibility and, oftentimes, financial resources. I’m very excited for this partnership with GU that will help make my BIPOC retreat to Alaska more accessible,” Désir explained. “In order for the sport of trail running to grow, more BIPOC need to be welcomed and given opportunities to show up as their authentic selves. My retreats provide the possibility for exactly that.”

In collaboration with Désir, GU Energy Labs will host an Instagram-based contest from 1/16 to 1/22 to select two scholarship recipients for this year’s event.

“GU is proud to support Alison in her efforts to remove barriers for BIPOC runners,” says Yuri Hauswald, Elite Athlete Manager for GU Energy Labs. “We know that being in nature inspires feelings of pure awe, which has been proven to make us happier, healthier, and more connected to the people around us. It is our hope that these scholarships will help welcome more athletes to life-changing outdoor spaces and experiences.”

Event Details:

BIPOC-focused Running Racing and Glacier Kayaking with Alison Désir

July 18-23, 2024

Price: $4595 (food and lodging for the event are included in this price).

Scholarship amount: $1,000

Scholarship submission dates: 1/16/24-1/22/24

Scholarship submission location on Instagram: @guenergylabs @alisonmdesir

Mission and Participation Note from Host Run Alaska Trails: While designed for Alison Desir’s BIPOC-focused (black, indigenous, & other people of color) community, please note that each trip is open to all and prioritizes safety, comfort, fun, and making memories that last a lifetime. All attendees are invited to engage as their authentic selves and must be willing to explore and celebrate cultural differences.

ABOUT GU ENERGY LABS

GU Energy Labs strives to help athletes to reach their highest potential with products that deliver the right nutrients, in the right amounts, at the right time. Since its founding in 1993, GU has been committed to increasing access to sport for all. To that end, GU Gives – the company’s philanthropic arm that focuses on uplifting underserved and underrepresented communities – supports organizations and initiatives centered around 3 pillars: physical movement, environmental stewardship, and food awareness. Headquartered in Berkeley, CA, GU Energy Labs produces all of its Energy Gels onsite, largely through sustainable solar power. Learn more at www.guenergy.com.