Celebramos el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana
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.
NYRR's Set the Pace Podcast Celebrates Black History Month
On Set the Pace Presented by Peloton, the official podcast of New York Road Runners, our guests in February will share their stories as part of our celebration of Black History Month. Tune in all month long for this inspiring content.
Ted Corbitt on His Birthday
Born on January 31, 1919, Ted Corbitt was the first Black American runner to compete in the Olympic marathon and the first president of New York Road Runners. He completed an incredible 223 marathons and ultramarathons in his career—winning 30 of them—and ran more than 170,000 lifetime miles. He was also an innovative physical therapist, the inventor of accurate and reliable methods of measuring race courses, and a champion of inclusivity. This year on the 106th anniversary of Ted’s birth, we share some of Ted’s own words about running, and others’ words about his gifts to the running community.
Virtual NYRR Black History Month 5K
Celebrate the contributions of the Black community throughout history, including runners, pioneers, and trailblazers such as the father of long-distance running and NYRR’s founding president, Ted Corbitt, with the Virtual NYRR Black History Month 5K. Complete your 3.1-mile run in honor of Black people who have been influential in your community and around the world. You can run the virtual race anywhere, anytime between February 15 and February 23.
Bringing Justice and Positive Change to Communities
Running can be a powerful way to bring people together and advocate for change and justice. As NYRR celebrates Black History Month, we spotlight two runners who are working for justice and positive change in their communities.
NYC Is Home to Three Black American Women Sub-3:00 Marathoners
Of the 31 Black American-born women who 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.