SWYS26. We made it. 💜
And now that the lights have dimmed, the music has stopped, the bags are packed, and everyone has started making their way home, I’ve had a chance to sit with what this weekend truly meant.
Thank you.
To every woman who traveled across the country to be with us.
To every runner who crossed the finish line.
To every speaker who shared her wisdom.
To every trainer who pushed us.
To every emcee who kept us moving.
To every artist who gave us the soundtrack.
To every vendor who brought her business and her brilliance.
To every sponsor who believed in the vision.
To every volunteer who gave up her weekend to serve.
To our incredible team who poured their hearts into making this happen.
Thank you.
Sweat With Your Sole has never been just about a conference.
It is about creating space.
Space to move.
Space to connect.
Space to learn.
Space to laugh.
Space to be celebrated.
Space to see women who look like you chasing goals you once thought were impossible.
And this weekend, you reminded me why we keep doing this work.
I watched strangers become friends.
I watched women encourage women.
I watched people step outside of their comfort zones.
I watched runners cross that finish line with tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces.
I watched our community show up for one another.
That is Sweat With Your Sole.
There are so many people who worked behind the scenes to make this weekend possible, and I am endlessly grateful for every single one of you.
And to Breon Corbett and Ryan Johnson, thank you for capturing the beauty, joy, sweat, laughter, and magic of SWYS26 so we can hold onto these memories for years to come.
📸 Relive SWYS26 through the photo galleries:
SWYS26 Photo Galleries:
ALBUM 1 (tabs are at the top for each day)
As we close this chapter, I hope you don't just remember the sessions or the parties or the race.
I hope you remember how you felt.
Seen.
Supported.
Inspired.
Connected.
Powerful.
At home.
Because that feeling is the reason we will continue to create.
Thank you for trusting us with your weekend.
Thank you for believing in this movement.
Thank you for bringing your whole self to Sweat With Your Sole.
And thank you for reminding us that when we come together, there is no limit to what we can create.
Until the next time we lace up together…
Keep moving.
Keep dreaming.
Keep taking up space.
Keep showing up for yourself and for one another.
And never forget:
SHE IS THE PACE. 💜
With love,
Jay Ell Alexander
CEO, Black Girls RUN!