After running 11 professional track seasons and making three Olympic teams, DeeDee realized she had the running for the wrong reasons. Prayer and soul-searching lead DeeDee to begin Running For The People, ultimately discovering how she could use her gift of running to help people in need and have purpose in every step that she takes. She realized that medals will fade over time and victories are never promised, but being an inspiration and encouragement in someone’s life is what she considers a true victory.
At Running For The People, our vision is to spread motivation and inspiration while building a community where people connect in a truly meaningful way. We believe every step can make an impact, and through our dedication program, we turn running into a powerful act of support.
We provide help in key areas of need:
Through fundraising, community events, and global outreach, we ensure resources and support reach those who need it most.
Whether you are running, donating, or spreading the word, you are part of the movement. Let’s run with heart, run for impact, and Run For The People.
This organization uses running as a gift to spread encouragement, hope, and love to people in need of uplifting while also providing assistance and support. The sport of track and field has been a tremendous blessing in DeeDee’s life, and now she has combined her gift of running with her passion and desire for helping people in need. To initiate this cause, DeeDee has dedicated the last two seasons of her professional career, and her fourth and final Olympic journey to each and every one of you, “The People.” Join us in this movement as we will truly be running with a purpose, in honor of deserving people all over the world.
Through the Gifted Harvest program, we respond to the urgent challenges faced by individuals and families affected by the recent government shutdown that has caused a pause in SNAP/food stamp benefits.
More than just a movement—Running For The People is a lifeline for those in need. This program channels the power of running to provide critical support in areas such as medical aid, education, financial hardship, emotional wellness, and poverty alleviation. Every stride represents a step toward hope, every mile fuels change, and every participant becomes part of a global force dedicated to uplifting lives. Where there is need, we run to it.
Through our Gifted Locks Relay Event, we provide custom hairpieces to cancer warriors, celebrating their strength with a track-inspired relay of support.
A simple pair of shoes can change a life. Gifted Soles is a traveling initiative that collects and distributes new and gently used shoes to the homeless while raising funds for meal assistance at rescue missions. With a focus on some of the most vulnerable populations in major U.S. cities and beyond, this program provides dignity, warmth, and a fresh start—one step at a time.
A few words of encouragement can change a person’s entire outlook. The Gift to Uplift delivers deeply personal and heartfelt video messages from Olympic Champion DeeDee Trotter to individuals facing tough battles. Whether it’s illness, loss, or hardship, this program ensures that no one feels alone—because sometimes, knowing that someone is running for you makes all the difference.
