"To Ian Gonzalez, though, it was a testament to three years of hard work. A community built from the ground up. The crowd had come on a cool Sunday morningto celebrate Gonzalez's business - Last Lap Cornerstore - before its temporary closure in April 2023. "It was the saddest joy I've ever felt," Gonzalez said. "For the community to come out and say they see me and show the love, that was beautiful.""
"The 34-year-old decided that Last Lap, a South Side Black-owned running store in Boxville, had outgrown its portable home. Now, Gonzalez hopes to raise $200,000 to open a brick-and-mortar shop in Hyde Park, bolstering a vibrant running culture there. "My main focus is to give new runners, especially Black and brown runners, the opportunity to try the sport out, to enjoy the sport, to find themselves in this sport," Gonzalez said."
"Less than 5% of running companies are owned by people of color nationwide, according to the Running Industry Diversity Coalition. Indeed, Last Lap may be the only Black-owned running store on the South Side, according to Build Bronzeville. "(The running) industry, which is predominantly white, can be extremely hard to break into," said Sandria Washington, the director of engagements and partnerships at Build Bronzeville. "I think what he's shown is that there's a community and there's a space for runners of color.""
Ian Gonzalez built Last Lap Cornerstore in a bright blue shipping container in Bronzeville and temporarily closed it in April 2023 after three years of growth. Gonzalez aims to raise $200,000 to open a brick-and-mortar shop in Hyde Park to strengthen a vibrant running culture and provide entry points for new runners, especially Black and brown participants. Chicago has seen a surge of diverse running clubs since the pandemic, yet less than 5% of running companies are owned by people of color. Build Bronzeville and community support have highlighted space and demand for runners of color.
Read at Chicago Tribune
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