Haraka Run and Walk Coming to Hyattsville’s Arts District

A specialty store focused on running shoes is coming to Hyattsville this summer.

Located at 5501 Baltimore Ave. near Busboys and Poets, Haraka Run and Walk will feature shoes for everyone from the casual worker or jogger to a marathon runner, with a focus on helping Black runners.

The store, whose name means “speed” in Swahili, is being started by Carol and Jesse Holland with help from a grant from the Running Industry Diversity Coalition.

A native of Prince George’s County, Carol Holland is a former track start and Athletic Hall of Fame member at the U.S. Naval Academy.

“Too often, many communities in our area don’t have the equipment, support and encouragement they need to get outside and enjoy the benefits of exercise,” the couple said after receiving the grant.

While some of America’s top track and field athletes have been Black, overall African Americans are underrepresented in running, especially long-distance running, though that has started to change in recent years.

As part of its outreach efforts, Haraka holds weekly walks on the Rhode Island Avenue Trolley Trail each Wednesday at 7 p.m. starting at the store location.