NYRR Celebrates 2024 AAPI Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. At NYRR, this month we look at AAPI representation in the running community and tell stories of AAPI runners and groups.

Many in the NYRR running community have focused their efforts and platforms to spotlight current issues significantly affecting the AAPI community—including anti-Asian sentiment and violence and mental health. NYRR will continue to support and amplify community voices actively engaged in efforts to elevate the AAPI experience and prevent racist sentiment and actions.

"It's All About Our Love and Deep Appreciation for Nature"

Misty Mountain Runners is a local run club with a majority of members who originally come from China. The 700-member club won the Team Spirit Award at 2024 NYRR Club Night for their dedication to and support of NYC running. 

NYRR Pacers Talk About AAPI Representation

During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we talked to NYRR Pace Team members about their running journey, how they got started pacing at races, and Asian American representation in the running community. 

Sharing All Running Stories

Carolyn Su, the founder of the Diverse We Run platform and a member of NYRR's Contributors Circle, chronicles her journey as an advocate for diversity and representation.. 

AAPI-Centered Running Clubs and Groups

The New York City area is home to several running clubs and crews centered on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) identity. We spoke to members about how they’re honoring AAPI Heritage Month, their clubs’ histories and identities, and more. 

Trailblazers: Miki Gorman and Toshi d'Elia

Michiko "Miki" Gorman and Toshiko "Toshi" d'Elia were barrier-breaking Asian American women runners who came to prominence in the 1970s. Both came to running later in life, and both defied expectations and overcame stereotypes of age, gender, and cultural background. 

NYRR Running Route: Sunset Park and Brooklyn's Chinatown by Chinatown Runners

On this running route, we explore Brooklyn through the perspective of Victoria Lo and Tony Cheong of Chinatown Runners, starting in Park Slope and ending in Sunset Park’s Chinatown. 

NYRR Running Route: Roosevelt Island to Roosevelt Avenue by Adobo Social and Anti-Social Athletic Club

On this running route, we explore Roosevelt Island, Astoria, and Woodside, Queens through the perspective of Jud Santos of Adobo Social and Anti-Social Athletic Club. Queens is one of the most culturally diverse areas in the world and Jud takes us on a run through the borough ending in what’s affectionately known as Little Manila to discover the rich Filipino community.