Trailblaze Like Percy Sutton

The world of athletics often focuses on who is the fastest runner, the highest jumper, or the farthest thrower—but you can be good at more than just one thing. Some amazing people in history have taught us that we can have multiple talents, and they have blazed a trail for us to follow.

This year, New York Road Runners celebrates the 100th anniversary of the birth of Percy E. Sutton with a special Rising New York Road Runners virtual event and a virtual race for adults, to commemorate his work in politics, business, law, and activism.

Having served as an intelligence officer with the Tuskegee Airman during World War II, Sutton earned a law degree from Brooklyn Law School in the years after his return stateside. As his law career developed, he became more involved in civil rights advocacy, leading to an interest in political office.

He served in the New York State Assembly from 1964 to 1966, at which point he was elected the Manhattan borough president; he won re-election twice and held the position until 1977, helping to bring the New York City Marathon out of Central Park and onto the streets of the five boroughs in 1976.

During his political career, as well as after his time in office,  Sutton’s work involved helping African Americans obtain equity, inclusion, and representation. He was instrumental in securing funding for the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, a branch of the New York Public Library. Sutton co-founded the Inner-City Broadcasting Corporation, which purchased the world-famous Apollo Theater in 1981, launching the careers of many prominent African Americans in entertainment. Both the Schomburg Center and the Apollo Theater are located in Harlem and are integral institutions in the community. 

Join New York Road Runners staff members who will lead you through a workout session at locations throughout Harlem. Each location is connected to an African American who “Trailblazed Like Percy Sutton” and made a difference in this world.   

First, let’s get creative in Connect It. Then work up a sweat doing Tic, Tac, Toe Relay, Helicopter, and 1, 2, 3, 4 Run the Park. We’ll end with a round of Muscle Mix-Up. And don’t forget your water break!