Today we’d like to introduce to you Njörd Running.
Derived from nordic tales, Njörd was the god of the seas sworn to protect and rescue seafarers in distress. Founded by Rasmus Frandsen, Kasper Musteikis and Jeremy Hsu in 2020, Njörd Running began as a Houston run crew designed to bring runners together with a mission to aid underserved communities victimized of social and systemic injustice. From building projects in Houston’s infrastructure to designing product solutions for the homeless in Portland, each of our members stemmed from industries exposed to communities that are so often overlooked and disregarded. After years of competing in various Ironman and marathon events, we sought out to build opportunities and use our passion for running to cultivate a brand rooted in empathy and driven by integrity.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Naturally, the pandemic has forced us to reduce our social interactions. It has been challenging to meet new runners and help runners stay connected when everyone is asked to stay at home. However, we are faced with the exact same challenges as every other community and we have learned to adapt and practice patience. Once we begin transitioning back to a higher level of social fluidity, we’re confident that our community and run crew will exponentially grow as more runners fill our streets.
Another challenge has been navigating the production climate. Many manufacturers and suppliers have resorted to virtual consultations and limit on-site opportunities. Ethical practices are the utmost priority at Njörd and surveillancing who we chose to work with slightly pushed our timeline in the beginning stages. Thankfully we’ve managed to secure partnerships and mentorships that align with our ethics as we begin developing our collection.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Njörd Running – what should we know?
We believe in community and the impact it can have on building a stronger version of yourself and those around you. Njörd was founded by competitive runners searching for a community to empower and encourage. We cater to every level of running experience and ensure there’s a workout just for you. Our Run Crew currently meets weekly at Heights High School Track (413 E 13th St.) every Wednesday 6:30 pm and A 2nd Cup (1111 E 11th St.) every Saturday 7:00 am. Whether you’re a casual jogger, marathoner, or simply love the exhilaration of running, we welcome you to the Njörd family. For more information, we invite you to reach out to our team at info@njordrunning.com or message us on Instagram @njordrunning.
Njörd designs and manufactures premium running apparel inspired by our Scandinavian and Taiwanese heritage. We master a contemporary approach towards functionality rooted in ethical and sustainable practices. We believe the integrity of a product should reflect the integrity of the keeper. Each design is engineered to be continued. Continuity in performance for a lifetime and continuity through paying it forward – a portion of all proceeds are donated to our non-profit partners.
Most importantly, we run for the human race. We hold strongly to our responsibility as creators to invest ourselves in creating change among families, minorities, and racial groups that are underserved or victims of social and systemic injustice. With every purchase, we donate a percentage of our earnings to empower humanity. Njörd has partnered with A 2nd Cup to achieve mutual goals: cultivating healthy bodies and advocating for justice. A 2nd Cup is Houston’s only non-profit coffee shop dedicated to ending human trafficking through awareness, partnership and aftercare. All dollars raised through Team Njörd’s marathon fundraising go directly to support aftercare programs for survivors of human trafficking. Currently, these funds specifically assist in transitioning their culinary job training program to a virtual format and allow A 2nd Cup to provide distance learning to survivors of trafficking walking the path to flourishing self-independence through sustainable healthy employment. Team Njörd recently competed in The Speed Project DIY relay where six runners cumulatively ran over 250 miles in 31 hours and 15 minutes, globally placing 23rd in the OG category (4 men + 2 women) and raising a grand total of $6,779 dollars.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Njörd could not exist without its Run Crew and the friends and family that cheer us on and meet us at the finish line. We’re able to create conversations and build awareness toward our fight against human trafficking through our community’s support and shared motivations.
We are extremely grateful for A 2nd Cup, especially Kathryn Rogers, for believing in our mission and supporting us throughout this entire journey. It has been a tremendous blessing to have such a powerful, compassionate and meaningful leader in our network who is willing to partner with us and share our deep-rooted values.
We would also like to say a special thank you to all our fundraising donors for their abundant generosity that helped us reach our goal for A 2nd Cup. Because of them, we run with purpose. We run for the human race and won’t stop until everyone is free.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.njordrunning.com
- Email: info@njordrunning.com
- Instagram: @njordrunning
Image Credit:
Cover photo by Tyler Jackson, Photos by Erin Trieb Photography
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