About the Miles of Impact Award

The New York Road Runners (NYRR) Miles of Impact Award Presented by Hospital
for Special Surgery (HSS) celebrates dedicated runners who embody the core
values of HSS and NYRR—community spirit, inclusivity, excellence,
gratitude, innovation, integrity, passion, and teamwork.

This award seeks to recognize runners who go the extra mile—not just
in their training, but in their resilience, passion, and impact on the
running community. Whether they inspire others, overcome challenges with
unwavering determination, or demonstrate an exceptional love for the sport,
we want to honor them.

Nominate a runner who truly represents these values for a chance to win a
coveted complimentary entry race bib for the 2026 TCS New York City
Marathon—a reward for their dedication and spirit.

Applications closed on April 19.

Award Criteria

Nominees for the Miles of Impact Award will be evaluated based on the
following core values:

• Community Spirit – A runner who shows the most
  enthusiasm for NYRR’s programming, mission, and vision.
• Inclusivity – Promotes an inclusive and respectful
  environment. They demonstrate equitable treatment and provide
  opportunities for all.
• Excellence – Sets and raises the bar in their
  contributions and support to the running community, demonstrating
  outstanding dedication and commitment.
• Gratitude – Consistently shows appreciation for
  others and for the opportunities available to them.
• Innovation – Introduces new ideas or methods that
  enhance the team's performance, training techniques, or community
  involvement.
• Integrity – Demonstrates the highest levels of
  personal and professional conduct, upholding the values of honesty,
  fairness, and ethical behavior.
• Passion – Shows exceptional enthusiasm, energy, and
  commitment to their training, racing, and team involvement.
• Teamwork – Actively participates as a supportive
  and empowering team member.

How the Program Works

• Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and New York Road Runners
  (NYRR)
  will invite runners to nominate individuals from their running communities
  who exemplify the core values of this award. Nominations are welcome for
  runners of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender
  identity, or ability.
• HSS and NYRR will carefully review all nominations and
  select the top 5 finalists for the
  Miles of Impact Award.
• As a recognition of their achievement, all finalists will receive an NYRR
  branded Item and a certificate
• A special Miles of Impact Award panel will review the
  submissions and select one grand prize winner, who will
  receive a
  coveted race bib for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon,
  and five finalists, who will each receive an NYRR branded item and
  certificate.

Grand Prize Winner Receives:

• Special Miles of Impact Award Presented by HSS trophy
• A 2026 TCS New York City Marathon complimentary guaranteed bib
• NYRR x Runna 1-Year Membership
• Running mechanics analysis provided by HSS
• Invitation to 2026 NYRR races courtesy of Hospital for Special Surgery
  (New Balance Bronx 10 Mile, TCS New York City Marathon Training Series
  18M, NYRR Staten Island Half)

2025 Miles of Impact Award Winner

Congratulations, Julia!

Congratulations to Julia Azcona, founder of Ridgewood Runners, on being
named the inaugural recipient of the NYRR Miles of Impact Award Presented
by Hospital for Special Surgery!

This prestigious award honors runners who go the extra mile—not only
in their athletic pursuits, but in their resilience, passion, and
meaningful contributions to the running community. It recognizes
individuals who exemplify the core values shared by HSS and NYRR:
community spirit, diversity, excellence, gratitude, innovation, integrity,
passion, and teamwork.

Julia embodies all of these qualities and more. We are proud to celebrate
her remarkable leadership and the lasting impact she continues to make.

Congrats to our finalists: Chrystal Flores(Rising NYRR Program lead),
Sergio Arias (Team WEPA), Olivia Snell (Chronic Illness Awareness
Advocate), Joe Sorbanelli (Achilles Internationa - NJ Chapter).

Julia Azcona

(Founder, Ridgewood Runners)