“The Streets Come Alive When Runners Come Together”: A Look at What Makes the NYRR Team Championships Special

With just days to go until the NYRR Team Championships, New York-based runners are getting ready to represent their clubs and compete for the title of fastest running club in the area. This year’s race is stacked with some of New York’s most accomplished runners, so expect a great day of competition out on the course. 

NYRR running clubs are “the backbone of the organization” and “inspire so many people” said president and CEO of New York Road Runners, Michael Capiraso at NYRR Club Night this past winter. Attend any NYRR race and you will see runners from all backgrounds running proudly in their club shirts. They all embody the spirit of running and are part of what makes New York’s running community special. 

We had the opportunity to chat with some of our club runners this week, and we asked them one important question — “What is it about the NYRR Team Championships that makes it a must-run for your club?”

For November Project’s Erica Silbiger, this race aligns with the club’s values. “Team Championships, first and foremost, emanates a sense of community. It's only natural for November Project to be part of an event like this, as one of our main objectives is to spread love and good vibes and be a positive influence on our community,” she says. “Every year Team Champs is a reminder of why we run with a team, and with this community in general.” 

Bill Staab of West Side Runners, a club that regularly places in the top three for Division A in the NYRR club standings, feels it is more than just the trophy that makes this race special. “The team spirit, and the ensuing team breakfast picnics where all team members linger after the race to feast and revel is unique among NYRR races along with the combination of both team rivalry and camaraderie,” he says.

Streets 101 coach Greg Laraia sees this race as a coming together of New York’s running community. “As we always say, ‘the streets come alive when runners come together,’” he says. “NYRR Team Championships represents the true spirit of a running community coming together to cheer each other on and that’s why it’s a must-run event for Streets 101.”

Van Cortlandt Track Club runners view this race as more than just a competition, but as a way to reconnect with fellow teammates, according to member Bobby Asher. “Van Cortlandt Track Club considers the NYRR Club Team Championships a ‘must run’ for many reasons, but in particular because each year allows for a reunion of teammates from far and wide,” he says. “A ‘championship’ is an excuse for ‘homecoming’ and ‘reunion.’”

For Queens Distance Runners, the entire race is a win, and a way to rep their borough. “NYRR Team Championships is the fastest victory lap around Central Park for all clubs that inspire the NYC running community. For us, it's an opportunity to compete while showcasing sportsmanship and of course, representing the borough of Queens,” says member Kevin Montalvo. 

You can join us in Central Park this Saturday, July 27, to cheer on these amazing club runners, or you can view the races by watching them streamed live on Facebook.