Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As we recognize one of the most prominent figures of the civil rights movement in America, we are shining a light on Civil Rights Race Series race director Vergil Chames and the Selma to Montgomery Relay — a relay through American civil rights history with a mission of  education, economic development and health and wellness.

Martin Luther King Jr. said, “If you can't fly then run, if you can't run then walk, if you can't walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

Hosted by the @crraceseries, the race starts in Selma, Al., crossing the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge and continues along a 51-mile route through American civil rights history, ending in Montgomery, Alabama’s state capitol. This event commemorates the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery and the brave actions of civil rights activists to secure voting rights for Black Americans.

“For a group of African American race directors, it’s significant to put on an event where athletes can see these points in American history,” says Chames. Athletes will also see the bus stop where Rosa Parks denied giving up her seat and Dexter Avenue Baptist Church where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., served as pastor from 1954 to 1960. 

Can’t make it this year? No problem. Sign up as a virtual participant to run or ride. If running or cycling isn’t in the cards for you this year, you can donate to the CRRS to support their efforts. Learn more by following the link in our bio. #RunningChangesEverything #MLKDay