We Celebrate Hispanic / Latinx Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, also known as Latinx Heritage Month, celebrates the contributions of Hispanic/Latinx Americans to events in U.S. history and contemporary society.
From September 15 through October 15, we'll share stories from our Hispanic/Latinx running community—individuals of all ages, many of them members of run clubs and crews working to help make the sport more inclusive and diverse.
We kick off the month with inspirational blog posts about Elías Cruz, a Bronx-born Rising New York Road Runners program lead who works passionately to bring running into the lives of his students, and Julianna Caraballo, Bronx-raised and training to run her first marathon at the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon on November 6.
We also include links to older blog posts and episodes of our Habitual Routine podcast.
First-Ever Spanish-Language Broadcast of TCS New York City Marathon in the U.S.
For the first time, a domestic Spanish-language broadcast of the TCS New York City Marathon will be produced and distributed by ESPN. It will be the first Spanish-language broadcast of any marathon to air on ESPN Deportes. It will air live on ESPN3 and the App from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and then will re-air on ESPN Deportes from 8:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. EST.
Jorge Aguilar: Transformed by Running
Jorge Luis Aguilar moved to the Bronx from Costa Rica with his mother when he was 7 years old. His family lived below the poverty line and Jorge attended a tough neighborhood school. He became the first person in his family to graduate from college. Now a child psychiatrist living and working back in his home borough, Jorge will run the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon.
Moving Forward Together in the Bronx
Meet Elías Cruz, a Rising New York Road Runners program lead and coach at MS 244 The New School for Leadership and Journalism in the Bronx, near where he grew up. “As a young man, my track team was always a home away from home,” said Elías. “It gave me one of the fondest memories of my youth. We went from being on a team to having lifelong friendships.”
Julianna Caraballo: Running to Give Back
When Julianna Caraballo was growing up in the Bronx, her parents, immigrants from the Dominican Republic, were always giving back to the community. Julianna, an Iraq War veteran, has followed in their footsteps, devoting much of her life to service.
She joined Operation Iraqi Freedom right out of high school and ran while in the military. She now runs with the Bronx Sole running club and will run the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon for the Grassroots Grocery charity.
She joined Operation Iraqi Freedom right out of high school and ran while in the military. She now runs with the Bronx Sole running club and will run the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon for the Grassroots Grocery charity.
1970 Marathon Finisher Arturo Montero Will Return to NYC in 2021
As a child growing up in Chile, Arturo Montero loved running. He came to the U.S. in 1960, and in 1970 he ran the inaugural New York City Marathon, finishing in 42nd place.
Since then, Arturo has run more than 100 marathons—31 of them in New York—and at age 85 he still walks daily. A retired mechanic, he will be in NYC for the 50th New York City Marathon this year.
Since then, Arturo has run more than 100 marathons—31 of them in New York—and at age 85 he still walks daily. A retired mechanic, he will be in NYC for the 50th New York City Marathon this year.
A Community Coming Together Through Running
Kylie Feliciano believes in the power of running to achieve goals. She considers running a great sport for all. She and her father, Eddie, are proud members of the Boogie Down Bronx Runners and have participated in many New York Road Runners events.
Kylie recently became a big sister, and she takes this role very seriously. She hopes that she can pass the values that were taught to her and her love of running to her baby sister.
Kylie recently became a big sister, and she takes this role very seriously. She hopes that she can pass the values that were taught to her and her love of running to her baby sister.
More from Our Blog
Read more stories from our blog about the contributions of our Hispanic/Latinx runners to our running community in New York City.
Matthew Parada: "A Kid Inspiring Other Kids"
For Matthew Parada and and his mother, Linda, running is a fun way to spend time together, stay healthy, and inspire each other and those around them.
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Aurora Morales Gil Continues to Serve Her Community
Longtime NYRR and TCS New York City Marathon volunteer leader Aurora Morales Gil has pivoted to serve her community during the pandemic.
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The Beat of the Streets: WRU Crew Brings Running Uptown
A running crew founded by two runners from families of Dominican immigrants focuses on family and community.
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How "All the Crazy Running" Keeps Saving Luis Rodriguez
He got his start in the sport nearly 40 years ago after a life-threatening baseball injury. Now he's run more than 15 marathons.
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Inspiring Stories of Latinx Runners on Our Habitual Routine Podcast
The 2021 season of NYRR’s Habitual Routine podcast centered on stories of runners who took part in 2021 TCS New York City Marathon; three of those runners share Hispanic/Latinx heritage: Thomas Valles, Maria Jose Estrada Martinez, and Maria Solis Belizaire.
