A Community Coming Together Through Running

As part of NYRR’s celebration of Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, we invited Rising New York Road Runners Youth Ambassador Kylie Feliciano, age 10, and her dad, Eddie Feliciano, to tell us about their Latinx heritage and what it means to them as runners and residents of NYC. The family lives in the Bronx and recently welcomed a second daughter. 

Rising New York Road Runners Youth Ambassadors is a program centered around a six-week speech fundamentals and public-speaking training workshop that helps participants improve their presentation and communication skills and learn how to effectively share their running story.

Kylie: "My Family Goes Above and Beyond for Me"

Which borough do you live in, and why do you love it?

I live in the Bronx, and I absolutely love this borough because I was born here. I am part Puerto Rican, and a lot of my culture is highlighted in the Bronx. The Bronx is the home of my favorite baseball team, the Yankees. Also, this borough is the birthplace of hip hop music.

What’s your fondest memory of growing up with a multigenerational Hispanic/Latinx family?

My family was part of an event in which I created a presentation about Guatemala. This was special to me because I am part Guatemalan. It was nice to talk about my culture, and I even had an outfit for it. I discussed Guatemalan heritage, food, and history. I learned a lot about Guatemalan culture.

What have you learned from your Hispanic/Latinx family that you will pass on to your baby sister?

I will pass on so many things to her—mostly my family’s culture and traditions such as salsa music and dancing. I would also like to share the beauty of running and how it can help so much in her life.

What does being a Latina mean to you?

Being a Latina means I come from a family that is hard-working, educated, and loving. My family goes above and beyond for me and the future generations.

How has running connected you to your culture?

I feel connected to my culture by running with local groups such as the Boogie Down Bronx Runners. These groups have runners who are also Latinx and many other ethnicities, and we run together. When we meet, I get to make new friends and feel proud to run with others who are like me.

What advice would you give other Latinas around your age?

I would tell them to try their best. It's one of the key things to finishing fast feeling good.

How do you experience or celebrate your Hispanic/Latinx heritage and culture?

We celebrate through music, food, dancing, Christmas traditions, clothing, and religion. Salsa music is a major genre in Puerto Rico. I took salsa dance classes and I love to dance to salsa music. Tamales are my favorite Guatemalan dish and my grandma makes them for us when we visit her.

Where are your grandparents from, and what language(s) do they speak?

My grandparents from both my mother and father speak Spanish and English. They are from Puerto Rico and Guatemala and came to America before they had my parents.

Eddie: "I Envision Both My Daughters Working Toward All Their Goals"

What values did you receive growing up in a Hispanic/Latinx family and community that you knew you wanted to pass on to your daughter?

Our primary family value is family togetherness; in both the immediate and extended family. No celebration or get-together would be complete without all the family. My cousins are as close to me as my brothers and sisters. This has built a foundation of trust and compassion for each other. We are there for each other in the good and especially in the not-so-good times. I hope to pass on my family values of compassion and helping others.

Why was it important for your daughter to be a part of the Rising New York Road Runners Youth Ambassadors program?

As a first-generation Latino, these programs were unavailable and unobtainable during my youth due to my parents' language barriers. My parents did not speak English. I want my children to achieve the best version of themselves, which requires access to more open doors. It is vital for Kylie (and her newborn sister) to have access to programs that will instill betterment and growth.

This program has been a fantastic experience for Kylie in numerous ways. Firstly, it has allowed her to interact with peers of different age groups from other boroughs and backgrounds, providing her with different perspectives and a more open mind. Secondly, this program has also improved Kylie’s presentation skills. She mimics the vocabulary and confidence used by the older children in the program. Lastly, the program has provided Kylie with the opportunity to meet and interact with athletes. This will continue to nourish positive reinforcement around athleticism and maintaining an overall healthier lifestyle.

What do you envision for a better tomorrow for your daughter and family?

I envision both my daughters working toward all their goals in academia and athletics, with my family and I guiding them, embracing them, and providing them with the tools they need to achieve their goals.

How has running helped you and impacted your life? What’s your favorite running memory?

While working at a local gym in the South Bronx, I partnered with local businesses in creating an event to raise awareness for eating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle called The Bronx is Healthy. Through this partnership, I met Lennin Grullon, a founder of Boogie Down Bronx Runners. He invited me to one of his community runs. I originally joined with the goal of reaching my ideal weight but was instantly hooked by the sense of community.

Seeing people who look and speak like me come together for common goals has significantly impacted me, kept me in shape, and has become essential for my mental health. This has pushed me to become an advocate for running, a pacer for the Boogie Down Bronx Runners, a better person, and a better parent. I have endless amounts of gratitude for my running group and neighboring Bronx running groups like the Milestylers. These running communities have showered my daughter and me with support, positive influences, and most importantly, provided friendship.

My favorite running memory is now becoming an ongoing tradition for me, the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile. I love to see people from different parts of the city, state, and world experience the Bronx in a positive light. I enjoy the excitement and cheers received from the locals, and I take pride in the increase of Bronx running crews. I look forward to seeing the number of runners and supporters grow in my borough!