The queen city races’ famous stroller division gets an official home with a multi-year Thule partnership
Charlotte, NC — August 3, 2026 — Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist (ATC10K), North Carolina’s largest 10K running race, announces a multi-year partnership with Thule. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to accessibility and a belief that running is for everyone, including the families who show up to race together.
Founded in 2019 by Brian and Chelsea Mister, Around the Crown 10K Together With Truist has become a fixture in Charlotte’s annual calendar, offering runners the unique experience of racing on the city’s inner beltway, I-277. The event is dedicated to promoting health, happiness, and confidence for all, regardless of age, background, or experience. Through initiatives like “Pay What You Can” and a strong commitment to sustainability, ATC10K strives to make running accessible and impactful for the entire community.
“As a Thule family, we’ve been using their products for years, and it seems like we’re not alone. The stroller division for Around the Crown 10K sells out fast every year,” states Mister. “Partnering with Thule helps us push forward our mission of creating an inclusive environment that welcomes all athletes and empowers them to pursue their own adventures.”
Thule has spent more than 80 years designing products that help people carry their gear wherever their passion takes them. That mission extends naturally to active families. The Thule Urban Glide 3 stroller earned an iF Gold Award in 2024, cementing the brand’s reputation as the go-to choice for parents who don’t slow down when kids enter the picture. With a lineup built for runners, commuters, and everyone in between, Thule strollers are engineered to keep up with the pace of an active family life, making the Charlotte streets of the Around the Crown 10K a natural home for the brand.
“We’ve been fans of Around the Crown 10K for years and have watched the event grow into something really special for the Charlotte community,” said Chris Ritchie, Director of Marketing at Thule. “This partnership is a natural extension of our shared values, highlighting a mutual dedication to fostering vibrant communities and supporting active family lifestyles. We’re excited to step in as a partner and support the runners and families who make this race what it is.”
For race weekend updates, follow ATC10K on social media at @aroundthecrown10k. Media inquiries can contact Angie Robinson at angie@darbycommunications.com and visit aroundthecrown10K.com.
About Crown Collective
Crown Collective is a Charlotte-based running brand built on the mission to move the Queen City forward. True to the Charlotte runner, Crown Collective unites signature races, inclusive community events, and thoughtful marketing initiatives under one cohesive vision. With a focus on sustainability, clean design, and accessibility, the brand serves as a home for events like the NoDa 5K, Charlotte Summer Track Series, Forward Motion Summer Camps, Charlotte Racefest, and Around the Crown 10K Together with Truist. Learn more at www.crowncollective.run.
About Thule Group
Thule is a global sports and outdoor company. We offer high-quality products with smart features and a sustainable design that make it easy for people across the globe to live an active life. Under the motto Bring your Life – and with a focus on consumer-driven innovation and long-term sustainability – we develop, manufacture and market products within the product categories Sport & Cargo Carriers (roof racks, roof boxes and carriers for transporting cycling, water and winter sports equipment, and rooftop tents mounted on a car), Active with Kids & Dogs (car seats, strollers, bike trailers, child bike seats and dog transport), RV Products (awnings, bike carriers and tents for RVs and caravans) and Bags & Mounts (backpacks, luggage and performance mounts).
Thule Group has about 3,000 employees at nine production facilities and 35 sales offices worldwide. The Group’s products are sold in 138 markets and in 2025, sales amounted to SEK 10.4 billion.