An Invitation from Kerin Hempel, NYRR's Interim CEO
Long before I ever worked at New York Road Runners, I was a member. I first registered as a “Road Runners Club” member in the late 90s, ran my first New York City Marathon in 1999, and participated in countless races as part of two different running teams.
Now I’m a parent, and I’ve experienced the transformative power of sport and fitness in my children’s lives, giving me a very personal view into the magic created by NYRR’s youth and community programs across our great city, and across the country as well.
But I also understand that we are an organization that is facing significant challenges. It goes without saying that 2020 has been an unprecedented and difficult year. In the midst of a pandemic, courageous advocates have launched a national conversation around systemic racism in this country, and it’s important that New York Road Runners recognize our role in the important work ahead.
That’s why, as the organization’s new interim CEO, I want to take a moment to talk with you; please watch this brief video and then join me later today on our Instagram stories for a Q&A session.
As an organization, NYRR is as diverse and vibrant a community as the city where we make our home. We represent people of all ages and races, from every neighborhood of New York City—and from beyond the five boroughs, too.
As the CEO, I’m committed to making sure we live up to the promise that NYRR be a warm, supportive, and welcoming community for everyone—especially historically excluded and underserved groups. I don’t presume to have immediate answers, but I’m committed to learning, listening, and engaging.
And that starts today. Please join me on Instagram Stories for a Q&A session. I’m looking forward to hearing from you.