These Proud Dads Take On the Citizens Queens 10K

This weekend, runners will make their way to the “World’s Borough” to take on the Citizens Queens 10K on Saturday, June 14. Among those runners are three dads whose kids are taking part in the Flushing Meadows Kids Run at the Citizens Queens 10K. All are proud of their kids and excited for their own goals of completing the 10K distance at such a diverse race. 

Steven Romero, Queens Runner

Steven with his daughter Sofia.

For Steven Romero, seeing how running has transformed the lives of his wife and children inspired him to lace up his shoes and hit the roads himself.

“I see the preparation and excitement they have when it comes to running in the morning and I somewhat envy their thrill,” he said. “I chose to run the Queens 10K mainly because I wanted to run, instead of [just] cheering for runners.”

He considers himself a “cheerlead dad/husband” and now that he’ll be on the course instead of the sidelines, he’ll get the chance to experience race day as a participant.

“Being so close to Father's Day, I want to reward myself as the runner dad.”

His daughter Sofia, a Rising New York Road Runners Youth Ambassador, will also be running this Saturday. The Youth Ambassadors program is a free initiative empowering youth to harness running’s transformative power through improved communication skills.

“My wife really motivated my child to participate in Rising NYRR. She is such an amazing role model in our lives. Now that Sofia is completing her tenure, we look forward to her younger brother becoming an ambassador one day.”

Having a child embrace running from a young age is something Steven doesn’t take for granted.

“When I was her age, I was more focused on the playground or other sports. Running wasn’t a priority,” he said. “Thankfully, our children are now growing up with running as a lifestyle.”

Rob Simmelkjaer, NYRR CEO

Rob with his daughters at the 2024 Citizens Queens 10K.

For Rob, the Citizens Queens 10K is one of his favorite NYRR races.

“First of all, I love the 10K distance. Second, I love how flat the course is. Third, my daughters love running the kids races at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. This year both of them will run and we will make it a family trifecta,” Rob said.

A huge New York Mets and US Open tennis fan, this race is in the perfect location for Rob. This year, he’s planning a special Father’s Day weekend.

“I’m taking my daughters to the Mets game the night before the race and staying out in Queens until Saturday morning. There's no better way for me to kick off Father's Day weekend,” he said.

Running with his daughters is very special amidst their busy lives. 

“It's something we can all bond through, and I love talking about our races afterwards. My oldest daughter Julia runs cross country for her high school team so she's pretty experienced. My youngest daughter Annika is really a theater kid, but it's so great to see her in the Stage 2 races. She's actually pretty quick,” he said.

What makes this race so special for Rob is the diversity of the borough.

"Especially with the Citizens partnership, this race brings people from all over the Tri-State area to this great borough to celebrate not just running, but everything that Queens has to offer," Rob said. "Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!”

Yubaraj Khanal, Queens Runner

Yubaraj Khanal at the 2024 Citizens Queens 10K.

Originally from Nepal, Yubaraj Khanal started running in 2016 when he registered for a race in Flushing Meadows.

“I started running for fun and to go outside, stay healthy and be active while also chasing a goal,” Yubaraj said.

His son Xavier ran the kids race last year and will also be running again this year.

“I’m so proud of my boy Xavier,” he said.

Yubaraj said that running the Citizens Queens 10K will make him feel a sense of accomplishment for completing the race again.

“This is my borough, and I will proudly represent Queens. I want others to experience and celebrate the diversity [of this borough] too.”


Xavier at the 2024 Citizens Queens 10K.

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