Join Us This Month and Run for Thanks
2020 has been an incredibly tough year—for all of us. In the running community, we’ve seen the loss of countless in-person races, along with opportunities to train together and support one another in physical spaces. For some of us, of course, 2020 has brought far greater challenges—loved ones have been stricken by COVID-19, financial security has evaporated, continuing racial injustices have impacted lives and communities, the effects of climate change have threatened the places where we live, work, and play.
Despite all the challenges in our individual lives—and in the world at large—this month holds out to us an opportunity: we can be thankful. Throughout November, we're doing something different to express the gratitude we feel at this time of year, and so we've brought together some folks from across the NYRR team to explain.
This month we invite you, wherever you are, to join us in running or walking the Virtual NYRR Run for Thanks 5K between November 21 and 29. As you run this race, and all month long, draw on gratitude to connect, learn, and grow together.
Despite everything that's happened in 2020, as runners we can still feel gratitude for the presence and power of running in our lives. We can be thankful even if we can’t run as far or as often as we’d like, or run with those we love, or race as hard or as frequently as we’re used to. Or for some of us, do any of those things at all, due to health issues or anxieties about risks, or because of restrictions in our communities, or a host of other concerns.
We encourage you to dedicate your 5K to whoever or whatever you are thankful for this year. We at NYRR feel gratitude for many things—our diverse runners, staff, and volunteers, and the inspiring Rising New York Road Runner, just to name a few—and will be running for them all month long.
What is your reason to run? For whom or for what are you grateful this month and year?
Share using #ReasonToRun and make sure to tag that special person or group to show your appreciation.