After founding Back on My Feet in 2007, Mahlum returns with a $1 million pledge to help more people experiencing homelessness find hope, purpose and a path forward through running
Anne Mahlum started a movement on the streets of Philadelphia, and now she’s returning to take it further.
The Solidcore founder, investor and fitness and wellness industry power player has rejoined the board of directors of Back on My Feet (BoMF), the nonprofit she launched in 2007 to help people experiencing homelessness through running and community support. She’s backing her return with a $1 million commitment.
The pledge signals a renewed dedication to BoMF’s mission and will support the organization’s growth in its 16 current markets. It will also help fund the launch of new chapters over the next two years, bringing the total to 20 in time for BoMF’s 20th anniversary in 2027.
“I’m thrilled to be getting back involved with BoMF under the extraordinary leadership of our new CEO, Terence Gerchberg,” Mahlum said. “The organization has so much potential to help tens of thousands of people, and we’re looking forward to making it a household name in the running community.”
BoMF uses running as a tool to build confidence and structure for individuals navigating homelessness by pairing physical movement with resources and mentorship. Mahlum was inspired to start the organization after forming a connection with men living in a shelter she passed during her early morning runs. For her, running had been a lifeline, and she believed it could do the same for others.
“Everyone thought I was nuts thinking I could help people living in homeless shelters change their lives through running,” Mahlum said. “What they didn’t understand is that running isn’t the end goal, but rather the catalyst to helping them believe in themselves and ultimately get employed and move out of the shelter.”
Mahlum’s approach laid the foundation for a movement that’s helped thousands.
“Anne’s return to our board and her extraordinary $1 million commitment mark a powerful full-circle moment for Back on My Feet, “BoMF CEO Terence Gerchberg said. “As we approach our 20th anniversary, Anne’s renewed leadership and generosity will propel us into new cities, strengthen our footprint in the running community, and expand our impact nationwide.”
Mahlum’s return to BoMF follows a recent appearance at the 2025 ATN Innovation Summit, where she joined Jordanelle Capital managing partner Matthew Day for a conversation on how fitness founders can raise capital with confidence, attract the right investors and structure deals that support long-term growth. The session highlighted Mahlum’s dual expertise as both a mission-driven founder and a seasoned entrepreneur.
Earlier this spring, Mahlum led a $3.5 million funding round for The Athletic Clubs (ACs), a squad-based training brand with seven locations across New York City. The raise will support ACs’ next phase of growth, including plans to expand to 15 locations by the end of 2026 and enter two new markets.
Mahlum scaled Solidcore into a 100-plus location fitness brand before exiting in April 2023 in a deal reportedly valued at nearly $100 million.
