NYRR Celebrates Black History Month
February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their central role in U.S. history.
At NYRR, we recognize the leadership, achievements, and perseverance of Black runners and supporters of running—throughout history and today, in New York City and beyond.
Click on the links below to learn more, be inspired, and engage with events and happenings this month as we celebrate and honor Black runners and leaders together. Check back throughout the month for additional content!
Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Ted Corbitt
Known as "the father of long-distance running," Ted Corbitt was the first Black American runner to compete in the Olympic marathon and the founding president of New York Road Runners. He completed 223 marathons and ultramarathons—winning 30 of them—and ran more than 170,000 lifetime miles. He was also an innovative physical therapist, the inventor of accurate course measurement, and a tireless champion of inclusivity across all ages, races, genders, and abilities.
New-York Historical Society Exhibit Tells the New York Pioneer Club's Story
"Running for Civil Rights: The New York Pioneer Club, 1936–1976" is an exhibit at the New-York Historical Society Museum & Library, through February 25, 2024. It pays tribute to the contributions of the NYPC and NYRR, focusing on Ted Corbitt and Joseph Yancey, whose pioneering efforts helped make long distance running more inclusive.
NYRR members get a $5 discount on adult or senior admission tickets with promo code RR2023.
Virtual NYRR Black History Month 5K
Sign up to run this virtual race anywhere, anytime between February 17 and February 25 and complete your 3.1 miles to honor impactful Black figures in your community and around the world.
NYC Is Home to Three Black American Women Sub-3:00 Marathoners
Of the 31 Black American-born women have run a sub-three-hour marathon, three live and train in New York City. They share their running journeys and reflections on Black American women’s distance running.
Black-Centered Run Clubs and Crews
Running with a club or crew is a great way to meet and get to know like-minded people. NYC's Black-centered run clubs help Black runners find representation and community. Check out these and other clubs throughout Black History Month—and all year long—to find out how they’re celebrating and how to get involved.
Honoring Percy Sutton
As Manhattan borough president, Percy Sutton was integral to the founding of the five-borough New York City Marathon in 1976. A prominent Black political, social, cultural, and business leader, Sutton was a lifelong supporter of running and NYRR, and is the namesake of the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K.
NYRR Hall of Fame Inductee Art Hall
Art Hall (1947–2011), a Harlem native mentored by Ted Corbitt, was a constant on the New York area running scene starting in the early 1970s. He pushed the boundaries for Black runners at a time when many were told they could not prevail over long distances. Hall finished in the top six at the New York City Marathon four times and served on NYRR’s Board of Directors.