On May 3rd, I had the honor of attending The 2025 Plus Strut Walk/Run (powered by Ulla Popken), the only 5K walk/run in the U.S. designed exclusively for plus size women—and let me tell you, it was a whole vibe.
Powered by Ulla Popken and hosted in Atlanta, The Plus Strut wasn’t just a fitness event—it was a joyful celebration of body confidence, community, and Black girl magic. From the moment walkers and runners began to arrive, I could feel the energy. There was laughter, music, high-fives from strangers-turned-sisters, and a collective heartbeat of encouragement that pulsed through every single mile.
Whether participants ran or walked, moved fast or slow, were first across the finish line or the last to finish — every single person was celebrated, loved, and a winner.
More Than a 5K—It Was a Movement
The Plus Strut is so much more than a walk/run—it’s a reclaiming of space in the wellness world that hasn’t always seen us as curvy and plus size girls. We showed up and showed out in our colorful leggings, tutus, glitter-dusted sneakers, and contagious joy. Whether you were walking, jogging, dancing, or strutting with your squad, it didn’t matter. What mattered was that you were there, unapologetically taking up space and cheering others on as they did the same.
It was beautiful to witness first-timers crossing the finish line with tears in their eyes, seasoned Strutters leading chants of empowerment, and volunteers hyping up every single participant. The DJ kept spirits high, and the vendors? Let’s just say my post-strut glow-up included a few fabulous finds from wellness brands.
Sisterhood in Every Step
What touched me the most was the camaraderie. Everyone was there for the same goal, and it was no queen left behind. Women stopping mid-stride to encourage someone who needed a little love, and a whole lot of “Yasss Queen!” echoing through the trees. This wasn’t about performance—it was about presence. It was about honoring our bodies in their fullness, exactly as they are.
This is the magic of The Plus Strut: it centers plus size women in a wellness space that sees us, celebrates us, and meets us with radical joy and intention.
Why Events Like This Matter
As plus size publication, we always aim to highlight those who are championing inclusivity in fashion and media. Being part of The Plus Strut reminded me why this work is so necessary. Visibility matters. Safe spaces matter. And most importantly, community matters. When plus size women are given space to thrive, to move without judgment, to feel strong and seen—that’s revolutionary.
If you’ve never been to The Plus Strut, mark your calendar for next year. Whether you’re walking for yourself, a loved one, or the future generation of curvy girls watching us, just know—you belong. Every step is a declaration: We are here, we are whole, and we are unstoppable.
This article, Walking in Power: My Empowering Experience at The Plus Strut 2025 first appeared on The Curvy Fashionista and is written by Kerbi Lynn.
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