Celebrating Black History Month This February on Set the Pace
NYRR Chief Event Production Officer & Race Director Ted Metellus, CEO Rob Simmelkjaer, and Board Chair Nnenna Lynch at the 2023 NYRR Ted Corbitt 15K.
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.
Subscribe to Set the Pace so you’ll never miss an episode as we share life-changing stories and running insights. Join hosts Rob Simmelkjaer, CEO of New York Road Runners, and Becs Gentry, Peloton instructor, every Thursday in conversation with inspiring athletes, from everyday enthusiasts to elite marathoners, to hear stories of perseverance, drive, and dedication.
February 6: Harry Chandler, President of the Running Industry Association
In January 2025, Harry Chandler became the President of the Running Industry Association (RIA), an organization dedicated to supporting the brick-and-mortar running retail channel throughout the United States and Canada.
Harry's journey in the running industry began over two decades ago in Michigan, where he was introduced to John Benedict, co-owner of Playmakers, a specialty running shop. Later, he joined the Charlotte Running Company, and in 2022 was invited to join their ownership group, recognizing his instrumental role in the company's growth.
Harry's dedication to the running community and his commitment to inclusivity and advocacy make him a prominent figure in the industry.
February 13: Nnenna Lynch, Chair of the NYRR Board of Directors
Nnenna Lynch is the Chair of NYRR's Board of Directors, the first Black woman to hold the position. She has served on the Board since 2014, for many years as Chair of the Community Impact Committee.
A born and raised New Yorker, Nnenna ran her first race with NYRR in 1981 at age 10. She went on to run in college and then professionally, and for the last couple of decades has been a recreational runner. She has completed dozens of NYRR races including the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon and has been a running buddy for NYRR Run for the Future participants running their first 5K race.
Nnenna is the Founder & CEO of Xylem Projects, a NYC-based mission-driven real estate investment and development firm that focuses on high-impact urban residential and mixed-use projects and is guided by four pillars: community enrichment, design, sustainability, and innovation.
February 20: Jeffrey McEachern, Peloton Tread Instructor and Ted Metellus, Chief Event Production Officer and Race Director of NYRR
Jeffrey McEachern has been a Peloton Tread Instructor since 2021. His focus is helping runners become the best version of themselves through workouts full of motivation and passion.
In his early 20s, Jeffrey's life was filled with partying and neglecting self-care until he reached a pivotal moment and he embarked on an introspective journey to find happiness and purpose. Jeffrey has built a loyal following, living and working in Germany, New York, and now London.
He has run marathons all over the world including the TCS New York City Marathon in 2023 and 2024, and will complete his Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star journey this year.
Ted Metellus is NYRR’s first Black Chief Event Production Officer and Race Director. Born and raised in the Bronx, he has worked with NYRR since 2001. Ted leads NYRR’s event management and logistics, experiential events, and youth events teams, event safety and security, and oversees warehouse operations.
Over 20+ years in the endurance sports industry, Ted has worked with multiple industry leaders. His love of creating an enjoyable and safe guest experience translates to every aspect of his work.
February 27: Sharon Lokedi, 2022 TCS New York City Marathon Champion
In 2022, Sharon Lokedi won the TCS New York City Marathon in her marathon debut, pulling away in the final two miles to finish in 2:23:23. She finished third in New York in 2023 and was the runner-up at the 2024 Boston Marathon. Last summer she placed fourth at the Olympic marathon in Paris, missing a medal by only four seconds after being a late replacement to the Kenyan team.
Sharon was recruited by the University of Kansas, where she studied nursing and competed in track and cross country. She was a 10-time All-American at Kansas and won the 10,000-meter NCAA title in 2018. While her training base is in Flagstaff, Arizona, Sharon has built a running foundation at the famed Kapkenda Girls High School in Kenya.