An NYRR First at the Summer Community Run
This morning saw the inaugural NYRR Summer Community Run, as runners gathered for a fun 1.5-mile race on the Central Park lower loop. This was a race for everyone, having heats not only for runners and walkers, but also NYRR’s first-ever stroller heat!
Children had the opportunity to run or walk alongside their adult family members, and babies got to participate in their first NYRR race in their strollers, creating a special memory for the end of the summer. On the hills or near the end of the race, parents could be heard telling their kids "You are so strong!", "You can do this!", "I am so proud of you", and other supportive cheers. The community atmosphere was strongly felt among all the runners, volunteers, and staff in attendance.
That finish-line feeling! Amazing job to all our finishers at our inaugural #NYRRCommunityRun! We love seeing those happy faces ❤️ #NYRRYouth20 pic.twitter.com/N6DDftTKyD
— New York Road Runners (@nyrr) August 18, 2019
Proceeds from NYRR races go toward funding Rising New York Road Runners, a free program that helps youth in New York City and around the country develop their skills and abilities through running while also encouraging a healthy lifestyle. This year marks the 20th year that NYRR has offered free youth running programs, and today’s race was a celebration of this special anniversary.
For many of today’s runners, it was also a new opportunity to earn a credit toward their 9+1 guaranteed entry to the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon while engaging with a side of New York’s running community that they might not have experienced before.
The day wrapped up with a family-fun themed festival, with activities for the kids to enjoy with their parents such as a balance beam, sack races, and juggling!
Everyone who participated in today's race were a part of an NYRR history-making event, and went home with the memories of a community coming together to celebrate their love of running together.
