Two Inspiring Stories of First-Time United Airlines NYC Half Participants

We've heard many great stories about what motivates people to run the United Airlines NYC Half. This year’s race is no exception, with 25,000 runners from across NYC and around the world expected to take on the iconic 13.1-mile course on March 19. Here, two first-timers share their stories.

Mukul Sharda Is Living and Running as His True Self

For most of his life, Mukul Sharda wasn’t much into athletics. He began his running journey in April 2021, running his first-ever mile at age 41 as part of a training group for the Front Runners New York LGBT Pride Run. Mukul completed Pride Run – his first race – in June.

He became a member of Front Runners New York, a running club for people who identify as LGBTQ+ and their allies, and ran six more NYRR races over the next few months.

Taking up running was one of several life changes for Mukul, who’d realized he wasn’t living as his authentic self. He talked to people close to him, made new friends, and in 2022 came out as a gay man.

“I am an out and proud gay man and I’ve never been happier,” he said, adding, “The unconditional love I have felt while running with [Front Runners New York] has been transformational.”

Mukul moved to Toronto for work in 2022, and he’ll be back in New York on March 19 to run the United Airlines NYC Half. He’ll draw inspiration from the course, especially Times Square – a place that’s been close to his heart ever since he watched the New Year’s Eve ball drop there 10 years ago and experienced a sense of community with fellow celebrants that transcended the boundaries of race, background, and sexual orientation.

“It has been a dream of mine to run in the United Airlines NYC Half,” he said, “and it’s finally coming true.”

Cindy Quiroz Will Follow in Her Students’ Footsteps

Cindy Quiroz is a true Brooklyn native. Born and raised in the borough, she grew up in a close-knit family with many relatives living in the same apartment building.

From an early age, Cindy knew she wanted to be an educator. Her parents immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua and didn’t speak any English; Cindy learned the language in school and was eager to teach them.

A graduate of Brooklyn College, Cindy has worked at PS 24 in Sunset Park for six years, currently as a bilingual special education teacher. She deeply relates to her students, many of whom are Spanish-speaking immigrants or children of immigrants. “We share similar backgrounds and experiences,” she said.

Cindy is passionate about representation and connection, and works hard to foster community for her students, serving as an assistant for the school’s Rising New York Road Runners program. “I encourage the athletes to use running as a physical, social, and emotional health tool,” she said.

Cindy started running in 2022 and is part of Women Make Moves, an all-women run club in Crown Heights. “Running has allowed me to connect with the Rising New York Road Runners on a deeper level as we work toward similar goals,” she said.

While she runs her first United Airlines NYC Half, her Rising New York Road Runners students will participate in the Times Square Kids Run and cheer on their teacher.