NYRR Celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month

The world is rich with diversity, which is reflected in the observances and recognitions celebrated by its various cultures, religions, and populations each month.

These are a few observances in May, from local to international:
Asian American and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
Muslim History Month
National Walking Month
International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia
Malcolm X Day
Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Memorial Day

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, a time to reflect and celebrate the histories, cultures, and important role Asian Americans, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders have played in the United States. At NYRR, this month we look at AANHPI representation in the running community and tell stories of AANHPI runners and groups.

Click on the links below to learn more, be inspired, and engage with events and happenings this month. Check back throughout the month for additional content.

Stephanie Loleng on Running, Representation, and Sharing Diverse Stories

Steph Loleng with medal 2026 Tokyo Marathon

Stephanie (Steph) Loleng is the director of editorial content for New York Road Runners and a Road Runners Club of America–certified NYRR Group Training coach. A runner for nearly two decades, she reflects on her Asian American heritage and her running journey as part of our celebration of AANHPI Heritage Month.

Celebrating Lunar New Year as a Declaration of Belonging

Group shot in front of the Chinatown gate

Carolyn Su, the founder of the Diverse We Run platform, shares her experience leading a food run tour through Boston's Chinatown in this NYRR Contributors Circle blog post.

Lifting Each Other Up While Pursuing Fitness Goals

Indian American Run Club members at the TCS New York City Marathon. — Indian American Run Club AAPI Heritage Month

To celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, we’re spotlighting the Indian American Running Club (IARC), a nonprofit organization based out of Long Island with nearly 200 members. Founded in 2021, the club hosts races, training runs, group runs, and fun runs, and this November, having completed NYRR’s 9+1 program in 2024, 11 members will make their 26.2-mile debuts at the TCS New York City Marathon.

"It's All About Our Love and Deep Appreciation for Nature"

Misty Mountain Runners cheering along the course with flag. — AAPI Heritage Month 2025

Misty Mountain Runners is a local run club with a majority of members who originally come from China. The 700-member club won the Team Spirit Award at 2024 NYRR Club Night for their dedication to and support of NYC running.

AAPI-Centered Running Clubs and Groups

Bergen Runners at 2022 NYRR Team Championships — AAPI centered run groups

The New York City area is home to several running clubs and crews centered on Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) identity. We spoke to members about how they’re honoring AAPI Heritage Month, their clubs’ histories and identities, and more.

NYRR Pacers Talk About AAPI Representation

NYRR Pace Team members the Lam Family pose with pace signs. — NYRR Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

During Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we talked to NYRR Pace Team members about their running journey, how they got started pacing at races, and Asian American representation in the running community.

The Power of Privilege

Carolyn Su and family 2016 Austin Marathon — My cousins (left), my mom (holding sign), me and my daughter, Chloe, my dad, mother-in-law, and husband at the 2016 Austin Marathon, my first marathon after becoming a mom.

Carolyn Su, the founder of the Diverse We Run platform, shares her family's history and her own reflections in this NYRR Contributors Circle blog post.

Sharing All Running Stories

Carolyn Su running in snowy landscape — Carolyn Su, the founder of the Diverse We Run platform, chronicles her journey as an advocate for diversity and representation in her first NYRR Contributors Circle blog post.

Carolyn Su, the founder of the Diverse We Run platform and a member of NYRR's Contributors Circle, chronicles her journey as an advocate for diversity and representation..

Trailblazers: Miki Gorman and Toshi d'Elia

Miki Gorman after 1976 New York City Marathon — NYRR Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

Michiko "Miki" Gorman and Toshiko "Toshi" d'Elia were barrier-breaking Asian American women runners who came to prominence in the 1970s. Both came to running later in life, and both defied expectations and overcame stereotypes of age, gender, and cultural background.

NYRR Running Route: Sunset Park and Brooklyn's Chinatown by Chinatown Runners

Two runners in Brooklyn Chinatown cityscape — AAPI Heritage Month

On this running route, we explore Brooklyn through the perspective of Victoria Lo and Tony Cheong of Chinatown Runners, starting in Park Slope and ending in Sunset Park’s Chinatown.

NYRR Running Route: Roosevelt Island to Roosevelt Avenue by Adobo Social and Anti-Social Athletic Club

RunningRoute21_Roosevelt_CGT_22_600X400 — NYRR Celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

On this running route, we explore Roosevelt Island, Astoria, and Woodside, Queens through the perspective of Jud Santos of Adobo Social and Anti-Social Athletic Club. Queens is one of the most culturally diverse areas in the world and Jud takes us on a run through the borough ending in what’s affectionately known as Little Manila to discover the rich Filipino community.