Running with Purpose and Building a Community with D17 and Why I Run with Charm City Run

By: Terrance Diggs, Founder and Creative Director of D17

Never in my life would I think I’d become a distance runner. Now running has become my symbol of resilience, community, and purpose. My name is Terrance Diggs, a regular at Charm City Run races, a passionate advocate for fitness, and the founder of D17. A brand built to inspire and empower others through athletics, design, and community. But what is it about Charm City Run races that keeps me lacing up my shoes, and why did I decide to create my own brand?

The Power of Community: Why I run with Charm City Run

For me, running isn’t just a physical activity—it’s an opportunity to connect with a vibrant community. Charm City Run races are a staple in the Baltimore area, known for their inclusive atmosphere, and strong sense of local pride. These races bring together people from all walks of life, united by their love of running and their dedication to evolving themselves.

I find this sense of camaraderie especially motivating. Yes, we want to PR and cross the finish line– but it’s about those you meet along the way. The support you earn from fellow runners, and the joy of being part of something bigger than yourself. Whether you’re meeting new clubs like Runners Run, Canton Run Club, or ATCR; you learn we’re all here to do one thing, make each other better. Better for ourselves, and better for our city. It’s a community celebration, one that keeps me coming back, race after race. Even before race day, being able to partner with Charm City Run for the Charles Street 12 Preview Runs was an amazing way to showcase what the city is about and who represents it. From the top of Charles Street to the bottom it was an expression of what Baltimore truly is.

The Birth of D17

While my love for running has always been strong, my vision for building my own staple came to life when I launched D17 back at Towson University. D17 is rooted in the values of perseverance and self-improvement. All things athletes deal with. The name itself is symbolic, combining my initial “D” with “17,” representing personal significance and milestones in my life. The “17” was my jersey number playing sports at Oakland Mills High School. I played everything under the sun. I ran track, played lacrosse, and even golf. I built D17 with a mission: Embody the power of sport to create opportunity. This could be curating spaces for you to elevate your fitness journey, using design to invite collaboration with other creatives, and having timeless apparel to remember the moment (with a little sense of hype). 

I believe in the power of personal connection. As a designer as well, we thrive in environments where we can work together. How can we continue to push the sport into new heights? How can we use design to foster new visual moments to those who thought “This is impossible?. I’d like to bring a new flare to the running space. Not only on the product side but the sustainability side as well. We’ve connected with global partners to help recycle and reuse material from our collections for a greener system. For those who venture the trails, we must find ways to protect the beautiful scenes our Earth gives us. Let’s innovate and have some fun along the way.

Just as a runner faces hurdles, hills, and moments of exhaustion, life presents challenges that test our limits. D17 is my way of encouraging others to keep pushing forward, to rise above those challenges, and to emerge stronger on the other side. What sets D17 apart is our focus on connection and community-building. Through the brand, I share my own journey, highlighting the highs and lows, the triumphs and the struggles. It’s not just merchandise—It’s inspiration. We have collaborated in the past with the Bowie Baysox, Washington Spirit, Love Groove Fest and more to come. With our own club on Strava with over 170 members across the globe, who would’ve thought shoes and a t-shirt should bring people together. My connection to the Charm City Run community plays a crucial role in this mission. It was the first store I ever purchased running shoes from, it was the start of my forever journey. It’s been a gathering place for like minded individuals and I want more people to understand there is a space to take that first step which leads to that first race.

I run Charm City Run races not only to challenge myself but to stay connected to the community that inspires me. Through these races, I find purpose, joy, and a sense of belonging. With D17, it’s an extension of this purpose—a way to empower others to know your pace at life and push past the obstacles that stand in their way.

We can build something meaningful from our passions, our struggles, and our perseverance. Come run with Charm City and come run with D17!