Runner’s World Wins Pulitzer Prize and National Magazine Award for Feature Writing

Hearst Magazines announced that Runner’s World is the recipient of two prestigious awards, a Pulitzer Prize and a National Magazine Award, both in the Feature Writing category, for “Twelve Minutes and a Life,” a story about the tragic killing of 25-year-old Ahmaud Arbery. The announcement was made by Hearst Magazines President Debi Chirichella.

“Twelve Minutes and a Life,” published in Runner’s World’s September/October 2020 issue and written by contributor Mitchell S. Jackson, examines racism in running in America and recounts the last 12 minutes of the young Black man’s life as he was chased and fatally shot while jogging near his home.

“Hearst has a long history of important reporting and storytelling in serving our communities,” said Hearst President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Swartz. “Runner’s World’s remarkable piece, covering a crucial topic and a devastating incident in the killing of Ahmaud Arbery, is a significant example of our duty as journalists to tell these stories. Congratulations to Mitchell S. Jackson and the Runner’s World team on these well-deserved honors from two of the most prestigious awards in our industry.”

“These honors are a reminder of the powerful role our brands play when it comes to telling important stories, especially those that inform audiences, promote dialogue and strive to create positive change,” Chirichella said.

“After 30 years of enthusiast publishing, I am no longer surprised, but still always amazed, at the ability for deeply vertical magazines to engage audiences,” said Bill Strickland, editorial director, Enthusiast Group. “When we combine world-leading editors, writers, designers and photographers to examine the most compelling and urgent issues of our times through the lens of running, we can tell stories that move the world.”

The 2021 Pulitzer Prizes in journalism and the arts, which are selected on the recommendation of the Pulitzer Prize Board, were announced yesterday. Winners include The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Star Tribune, among others.

The Pulitzer Board selected the article based on it being “… a deeply affecting account of the killing of Ahmaud Arbery that combined vivid writing, thorough reporting and personal experience to shed light on systemic racism in America.”

The National Magazine Awards, also known as the Ellies, were announced Thursday night and recognize print and digital publications that demonstrate superior execution of editorial objectives, innovative techniques, noteworthy enterprise and imaginative design. The Feature Writing category, which was among the most competitive of this year’s awards, included finalists from The New Yorker, The New York Times Magazine and Texas Monthly, among others.
https://www.hearst.com/-/runner-s-world-wins-pulitzer-prize-and-national-magazine-award-for-feature-writing