A stampede of stomping strides entered Eastern Parkway last weekend.
On the crisp morning of Saturday, Aug. 23, over 500 participants laced up their sneakers and conquered the course for the second and final New York Road Runners (NYRR) Start Line Series run, a series of accessible runs that encourages aspiring athletes to run their first miles.
As a joint initiative with New York City Department of Transportation (NYC DOT)’s Summer Streets program, NYRR aimed to introduce New Yorkers to a cardio-intensive sport that has positively impacted the lives of thousands of running enthusiasts. The nonprofit running organization’s inaugural series coincided with the celebration of New York City’s 400th anniversary, which welcomed more than 400 car-free blocks to city locals.
In the second chapter of the NYRR Start Line Series, runners tackled the out-and-back course, starting at Eastern Parkway and Schenectady Avenue. Approaching the halfway point, runners turned before Washington Avenue to retrace their steps towards the finish line. The minuscule hills did not dampen the vibrant crowd, and a positive reception of the run soon followed.
Rob Simmelkjaer, chief executive officer of NYRR, explained that the selection of Eastern Parkway as the second run is due to the presence of NYC DOT’s Summer Streets program. He added that NYRR organizers are “no strangers” to Kings County, as the nonprofit has previously hosted races in the borough, from the RBC Brooklyn Half to the Frosty 5K.
The NYRR CEO further expressed the prospect of the NYRR Start Line Series as an annual running tradition.
“So like most things that we do, word spreads over time, interest builds, and so hopefully this is the first of many years holding these events along with [NYC] DOT and Summer Streets,” Simmelkjaer said.
When asked about future plans for the NYRR Start Line Series, Simmelkjaer shared that there will be conversations with NYC DOT and New York City (NYC) Hall “after this year’s events,” raising the possibility of the series’ expansion into the five boroughs.
“We have to coordinate with [NYC] DOT and [NYC] Hall to make sure that we find the right timing and the right location to have these events,” Simmelkjaer confirmed.
Reflecting on the turnout success, Simmelkjaer thanked the running community for signing up for the events, and hoped to see runners revisit the series or join other NYRR races.
Originally from Yonkers and Bronxville, Rocio Ventura, who declined to share her last name, described her powerful reasons for running her first NYRR event.
“I always wanted to run a marathon. I never felt motivated to, and I’m recently going through a divorce. So I wanted to do something out of my comfort zone and to show myself that I’m enough for myself and for my son and for my family.”
Ventura shared that she will return for next year’s NYRR Start Line Series. “I feel like it’s exhilarating to be around people about positivity. No matter what shape or size you are, we’re all here for a purpose.”
“I did this for myself. I did this for my son, and I look forward to more races,” Ventura added.
Hailing from Brooklyn, Daniel McCallum accompanied his daughter, Maliyah, for her very first 5K run. The father-daughter duo enjoyed the Crown Heights course, describing the rolling hills as a “worthwhile” feature of the second installment. Lastly, the McCallums conveyed their interest in returning next year, sharing a similar sentiment with the morning’s participants.
Based on the enthusiastic response to the NYRR Start Line Series, the camaraderie-charged runs are welcoming additions to the race calendar.
“The idea is to start to build momentum for people to embrace this sport and embrace the healthier, more active lifestyle,” Simmelkjaer said.
