New Chews Flavor Supports the Running Industry Diversity Coalition
BERKELEY, CA (May 6, 2025) GU Energy Labs and the Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) are proud to announce that a portion of sales from GU’s new Fruit Punch flavor of Energy Chews will benefit the RIDC for 2025-2027. The RIDC, which celebrates its fifth year of mission-driven work in 2025, is an educational nonprofit working to unite the running industry to improve inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, a mission closely aligned with GU’s own values. Through its GU Gives program and 1% for the Planet membership, GU supports organizations creating community and access to movement in the outdoors.
“Supporting the RIDC over the past three years has been such a meaningful part of our journey toward building a more inclusive running community,” said Celia Camargo, Director of Community and Purpose at GU. “With Fruit Punch Chews, we’re celebrating that partnership in a fresh way - raising awareness and helping fund the RIDC’s work to support diverse athletes and elevate BIPOC leadership to create more inclusive spaces for movement across the running industry and outdoors. It’s about showing up for the future of our sport, together.”
This spotlight partnership with the RIDC is a continuation of GU Gives’ commitment to support non-profit organizations and elevate the important work they are doing in the outdoor industry. Past GU Gives Spotlight Partners have included Rising Hearts, Back on My Feet, and The Conservation Alliance. RIDC is introducing GU to their audience and community and spreading the importance of sports nutrition to fuel movement.
"Partnering with GU Energy Labs amplifies our mission to create a running industry where everyone feels valued and seen. GU’s commitment to genuine inclusivity sets a powerful example, and we’re thrilled to continue our work together to create meaningful change for all runners," said Kiera Smalls, Executive Director of the RIDC. “GU Energy Labs has shown what true allyship looks like—moving beyond words to create impact that resonates across communities.”
Fruit Punch Energy Chews are the seventh flavor in the product lineup, which features tasty bite-sized gummies packed with the key ingredients athletes need to fuel their training, racing, and adventuring. Find them at your favorite local run or sporting goods shop, Amazon, The Feed, or guenergy.com.
“The idea behind Fruit Punch is that it's a delicious combination of different fruit flavors. It perfectly aligns with the RIDC's focus on improving inclusion, visibility, and access for BIPOC communities,” said Brandon Kirchmeyer, GU’s Product Development Manager. “Each individual flavor in Fruit Punch contributes to the richness and strength of the whole, emphasizing how the combination of diverse flavors can create something truly exceptional.”
“What made this flavor selection even more special for us was the nostalgic feeling Fruit Punch brings,” said Kiera Smalls, Executive Director of the Running Industry Diversity Coalition. “It took us back to block parties, summer afternoons, and the unmistakable taste of togetherness. It reminded many of us of carefree moments from childhood—bright, bold, and full of joy—just like the work we do.”
About GU Energy Labs
GU Energy Labs strives to help athletes to reach their highest potential with products that deliver the right nutrients, in the right amounts, at the right time. Since its founding in 1993, GU has been committed to increasing access to sport for all. To that end, GU Gives – the company’s philanthropic arm – supports organizations and initiatives centered around 3 pillars: physical movement, environmental stewardship, and food awareness. Headquartered in Berkeley, CA, GU Energy Labs produces all of its Energy Gels onsite, largely through sustainable solar power. Learn more at www.guenergy.com.
About the Running Industry Diversity Coalition
The Running Industry Diversity Coalition is an educational nonprofit with a mission to unite the running industry to improve the inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color with a vision to see and experience a running industry committed to racial justice where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are welcomed, valued, and amplified. For more information, visit www.runningdiversity.com.
Photo credit: courtesy of the RIDC