Celebrating Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month
The world is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances and recognitions celebrated by its various cultures, religions, and populations each month.
These are a few observances in May, from local to international:
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Older Americans Month
Muslim History Month
May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the histories, cultures, and important role Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have played in the United States. At NYRR, this month we look at AANHPI representation in the running community and tell stories of AANHPI runners and groups.
Click on the links below to learn more, be inspired, and engage with events and happenings this month. Check back throughout the month for additional content.
Lifting Each Other Up While Pursuing Fitness Goals
To celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting the Indian American Running Club (IARC), a nonprofit organization based out of Long Island with nearly 200 members. Founded in 2021, the club hosts races, training runs, group runs, and fun runs, and this November, having completed NYRR’s 9+1 program in 2024, 11 members will make their 26.2-mile debuts at the TCS New York City Marathon."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.
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.
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.
The Power of Privilege
Carolyn Su, the founder of the Diverse We Run platform, shares her family's history and her own reflections in this NYRR Contributors Circle blog post.
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..
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.
May is also Mental Health Awareness Month, Muslim History Month (in New York state), Jewish American Heritage Month, and Older Americans Month.