Celebrate Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with Our Habitual Routine Podcast

2 runners in Fort Tryon Park

Our current season of NYRR’s Habitual Routine podcast features stories of runners taking on the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon, and three are Latinx runners. You can listen to the episodes, learn more, and subscribe to Habitual Routine here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Thomas Valles of McFarland, USA

Thomas Valles was the top runner on the 1987 McFarland High School cross country team, a team that overcame significant challenges to win the 1987 California state championship, a story portrayed in the 2015 Disney film McFarland, USA.

Thomas’s parents met as farm laborers in California and raised five kids, encouraging education and hard work. Thomas grew up balancing school, farm labor, and eventually sports, inspired and uplifted by his family and strong mentors.

“Everybody has a story, and when I tell my story I realize that I can help somebody talk about theirs, and hopefully help them on the path to healing,” Thomas said. He’ll run the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon to raise funds for Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy's fight to end Duchenne, a progressive, fatal muscle disorder.

“A Mi Manera” with Maria Jose Estrada Martinez

For Maria Jose Estrada Martinez, the 50th running of the New York City Marathon has special significance, as it also marks the 25th anniversary of the year her grandfather, Luis Martinez Nuñez, ran the marathon. Maria, who lives in Mexico, treasures her grandpa’s running stories, and though she’d never been a runner herself, she was motivated to start as a way to relieve stress during the pandemic.

Until her grandfather passed earlier this year from COVID-19, he coached her as a new runner and marathoner. Maria shares his impact on her running journey and how one race can connect and strengthen two generations.

"I'm excited to think that I'll be running on the same streets that made my grandfather love New York City," Maria said. "I'll be honoring him through my running. I really want to arrive at the finish line as happy as he did."

Maria Solis Belizaire of Latinos Run and Latinas Run

Maria Solis Belizaire, pictured above, is the founder of two nationally known run clubs; Latinos Run and Latinas Run. Launched in New York City, Latinos Run is an international organization that promotes running as way to improve physical and mental health in the Latino community. Latinas Run was created as a safe space for Latinas to connect and inspire each other through running or other fitness related activities. This free group is a place for empowerment and healthy dialogues for women of all backgrounds.

Maria shares how these clubs now serve tens of thousands of people, how representation is a catalyst for movement, and why she believes the TCS New York City Marathon is the best marathon in the world.

Author: NYRR Staff