NYRR Celebrates Black History Month
To acknowledge and celebrate Black History Month this year, we at New York Road Runners are looking into our own history, and into the broader history of running as a sport. New York Road Runners, the TCS New York City Marathon, and all of the other work we do would not exist were it not for the leadership and perseverance of Black runners—most notably Ted Corbitt, our founding president, but numerous other pioneering figures in the sport of running as well.
As we proceed through the month, we’ll update this page to share more stories about important figures in Black running history, some very well known, and others who aren’t as well known as they should be.
Community is the Center of Harlem Run
In NYC, run crews play a significant role in their community. Harlem Run is a collective of runners, walkers, and joggers who are passionate about running and community. We stopped in with Harlem Run to meet a few of their runners and share what Harlem Run means to them and to Harlem.
Black American Women Marathoners from Marilyn Bevans to Aliphine Tuliamuk
Black American women marathoners have been a force at the elite level for nearly half a century. Their accomplishments, however, are not well-known, even among devoted fans of the sport. Gary Corbitt, the founder of the Ted Corbitt Archives and the historian of the National Black Marathoners Association, is taking steps to change that, documenting and highlighting the accomplishments of past and current Black American women marathoners competing at the top level.
Race Director Ted Metellus: "I Hope It Lights a Flame"
This month, Ted Metellus became the race director of the TCS New York City Marathon. A trailblazing leader, Ted is the first Black race director of an Abbott World Marathon Majors event.
The New York Pioneer Club: A Civil Rights History
New York City’s Black community and a Harlem track club built the foundation of the modern running movement. Learn how the New York Pioneer Club, founded in 1936, fought for civil rights and set the stage for running clubs in the present day.
A Timeline of Black American Distance Running History
Black running history in America dates back to at least the 1870s and is both rich and deep. Gary Corbitt, Ted Corbitt’s son, has spent years researching and writing about Black American running and bringing many untold stories to life, and has created a Black Running History Timeline that covers 100 years.
Happy Birthday, Ted Corbitt
We begin our celebration of Black History Month by honoring our pioneering first president, Ted Corbitt, who would have celebrated his 102nd birthday this year on January 31. Read more about this founding member of New York Road Runners who logged more than 200,000 miles in his lifetime.
Virtual Events
For Adults:
Virtual NYRR Black History Month 5K
Celebrate the contributions of Black and African-American runners through history, including NYRR’s founding president, Ted Corbitt, with the Virtual NYRR Black History Month 5K. Complete your 3.1-mile run in honor of Black figures who have been influential in your own community and around the world.
You can run the virtual race anywhere, anytime between February 19 and February 28.
For Kids:
Rising New York Road Runners Virtual Black History Month Run
To build a better, more equitable future, it's essential for the next generation to know our history. The Rising New York Road Runners Virtual Black History Month Run is a great opportunity to teach your young runners about the trailblazers who came before them.
Register your kids and encourage them to dedicate their race to a pioneer. The race runs from February 10 to 28.