Tony Loyd

I run for social justice. I am an RRCA Certified Coach for people traditionally excluded from running spaces.

And I bring running to spaces historically excluded by the running community.

Have you ever felt called to something new? 

Until recently, I was known as an expert in social entrepreneurship, using business as a vehicle for social good. For the last seven years, I have run a podcast called Social Entrepreneur. We tell positive stories from underrepresented voices, focused on solutions. I wrote a best-selling book on the topic and went out on the speaking circuit. And, I have mentored hundreds of aspiring social entrepreneurs on their business strategies. 

But, over the last year, something shifted for me. I knew it was time to turn the page. I wasn't sure what the next chapter would look like. However, I knew two truths about myself. 

1. I am passionate about running. I have run 19 marathons, qualifying for Boston 11 times. I was even invited to the Abbott World Marathon Majors age-group championship in Chicago this year.
2. I also care deeply about social justice. In my faith tradition, tzedakah (righteousness) refers to a standard of right relationships. Treat others as the image of God, with the dignity they deserve. Justice (mishpat) is what we are to do in response to the mistreatment of others. When people are oppressed, we are to proactively work on their behalf. Justice is the work of restoration. I feel a calling to fight for the outcast and oppressed. 

Running + Social Justice 

These two concepts, running and social justice, came together while I was out on a run in October 2022. I was listening to the audio version of Running While Black: Finding Freedom in a Sport That Wasn't Built for Us by Alison Mariella Désir. In the book, she used the phrase, "Running as an act of social justice." It stunned me. I stopped mid-run, grabbed my phone, and wrote a note in Google Keep. That phrase, "running as an act of social justice," kept bouncing around in my head. I knew it was, for me, the perfect combination. I just did not know what that would look like.

So, I became a Road Runner's Club of America (RRCA) Certified Running Coach. I began to offer coaching services to those who are usually excluded from the running space. Around the same time, I was presented with an opportunity to coach runners for Mile in My Shoes. We bring running to homeless shelters, addiction recovery programs, and re-entry centers. 

So, if you are someone who feels like you don't fit the ideal model of a runner, I'm here for you. That's what I do. 

About Tony Loyd:

Tony Loyd is a former Fortune 500 executive with companies such as John Deere, Medtronic, and Buffalo Wild Wings. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, talent management, and leadership development.   

Tony is a best-selling author, keynote speaker, business coach, and podcast host.   

He is the Executive Producer of the podcast Social Entrepreneur where he shares positive stories from underrepresented voices, focused on solutions. Social Entrepreneur is ranked in the top 1% of podcasts globally.

Tony also hosts Thrive. Connect. Contribute. where he tells stories of people who thrive in life, connect with others, and contribute to the world in the face of adversity.  

And, on Antiracist Voter he shares stories about criminal justice, economic justice, environmental justice, education, housing, health, immigration, and voting rights.  

He is a TEDx speaker and the best-selling author of Crazy Good Advice: 10 Lessons Learned from 150 Leading Social Entrepreneurs.