2023 SHE RUNS Grand Rapids
At Swift, you know we love printing – but another passion of ours is running! Not only running, but creating a community around running (enter: West Side Stride!). So, when we had the opportunity to get involved as a sponsor for SHE RUNS Grand Rapids, it was a very swift yes from our team!
Previously known as Gazelle Girl, this event started in 2013 to celebrate and recognize the 40th anniversary of Title IX.
Title IX is part of the Education Amendments of 1972, and it is the first comprehensive federal law to prohibit sex discrimination against students and employees of educational institutions. Title IX states: "No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance."
Over the past decade, thousands of women from all over the world have come together to run and walk through downtown Grand Rapids. It is an opportunity to connect through movement and the organizers have a vision to positively influence healthier living in West Michigan. The event is open to all – “not just any she who runs, but every she who runs!”
Pictured is Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon and Kristen Aidif Race Director of She Runs Grand Rapids in Swift Printing’s front office with some signage.
Even better, 100% of the profits from the event are donated to support programming for Girls on the Run and services from the YWCA of West Central Michigan.
On April 30, Jes Gutowski-Slaydon and Amy Gutowski joined nearly 1,800 women and girls at the 11th annual SHE RUNS Grand Rapids. It was a jam-packed, power-full event with many of the runners (and walkers!) using this opportunity to realize their own personal goals and for some, cross the finish line for the very first time.
For the past few years, Jes and Amy have been running and walking together – and this was their inaugural first race together. Though they planned to run the race, Amy recently had a skiing accident and is still in recovery. So, the plan changed a little but the duo still crossed the 5K finish line! The walk was a great reminder, in true SHE RUNS fashion, it’s not about how you get there but that you get there at all.
We’re so proud of Jes and Amy for their participation in the race! Plus – they even came across some familiar faces from Swift’s own running community, WestSide Stride.
Our involvement didn’t end with participation in the event! Swift Printing is proud to have supported SHE RUNS as the 2023 race course signage sponsor. All along the race route, you saw a variety of yard signs featuring motivational and uplifting messages of encouragement and other vinyl signage with directions or sponsor recognition.
Pictured is a mosaic of all the kind messaging along the route.
