Runners Celebrate City’s Diversity with 414 Day Event

Arcade games, laughs and a variety of bright colored running shoes were highlights of the  F.E.A.R. MKE 414 Day run event. The event kicked off its 11th anniversary, and people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds gathered for an evening of running, socializing and celebrating the city of Milwaukee.

F.E.A.R, which stands for Forget Everything And Run, has built a tradition of bridging the fitness gap in Milwaukee. The organization, which prioritizes diversity, introduced running as a way of staying fit and building relationships.

“ The goal and mission has been to always get more people of color to run,” said Tenia Smith, co-founder of F.E.A.R. MKE. “We welcome all case runs, so it doesn’t matter if you feel like you’re too slow or don’t think you’re a runner, that’s our job to make you feel safe and comfortable here.”

Many participants  met at Up-Down, a social bar located on Brady Street. Whether they were first-timers or experienced runners, everyone showed up ready to break a sweat.

“The culture is extremely inclusive, this being my first event,” said Camille Ffrench. “I felt as though I was surrounded by a lot of people who were encouraging me, there was no pressure, everyone was cheering each other on, and it felt so welcoming. I am most definitely going to be back for another event.”

F.E.A.R MKE participants, current and former track athletes, shared their passion for running and conditioning.

“I’ve always looked up to athletes like Usain Bolt,” said Milwaukee native Marquese Green, “so during my childhood, my family came from a poor background which always consisted of us being outside. So my siblings along with the whole neighborhood were outside racing and you know I was always trying to be the fastest kid on the block.”

Another Milwaukee native, Daron Wolf, ran for the first time in years.

“It all starts with that first step,” said Wolf. “Like we all say, we want to do something, but you actually have to take the action to do it, and once you take that first one it’s then taking that second one that’s building consistency to stack success.”

After all of the participants completed their mile run, they ended with stationary stretching and a meal of pizza for their celebration of 414 Day.

“I’m a foodie man, I love my food,” said Wolf. “All of the restaurants in this city, I think we have a lot of hidden gems that people don’t know about, and I’ve been trying them. So food is my favorite thing about Milwaukee.”

F.E.A.R M.K.E.’s run crew meets every Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Royal Street Milwaukee Daq Shack.