It’s a run for history, and for the fun of it at the Percy Sutton Harlem 5k Run
Harlem Week's 5K run brings the community together for fitness and celebration. The post It’s a run for history, and for the fun of it at the Percy Sutton Harlem 5k Run appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.
Black News 
Some will be there for the fun of it, others are hoping for a shot at the marathon circuit. Whatever their reasons, seasoned runners, first timers, along with residents, elected officials and curious visitors will be gathering in the streets of Harlem on Aug. 8 for the annual Percy Sutton Harlem 5K Run during HARLEM WEEK. “I’ve been running a long time,” said State Sen. Robert Jackson, a longtime participant. “I’ve run several New York City marathons, and I’ve participated in the Harlem 5K for years. When you want to honor Percy Sutton, you have to stand up and say I can do that.” For Jackson, the race, which draws more than 5,000 runners annually and is hosted by New York Road Runners in partnership with the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, also serves as a visible reminder that community leadership happens outside government buildings.
“It’s about making sure Harlem is on the map,” he said. “People see that you’re running, participating, and supporting the community.” For newcomers thinking about participating in the race for the first time this year, Jackson’s advice is simple: participation matters more than pace.
“You can walk or run, depending on your health,” he said. “It’s more a symbol of working together to improve the outcomes of Harlem. I think it’s important to set a good example. If you can run in the race, run. If not, come out and enjoy it.” Sutton, a civil rights activist and entrepreneur, served as Manhattan Borough President and was also a member of the group that purchased The Amsterdam News in 1971 along with Publisher Emeritus Wilbert A. Tatum. But he was also a lifelong supporter of the New York City Marathon and New York Road Runners. As Manhattan Borough President in 1975, he attended the New York City Marathon, which took place solely in Central Park at the time. He presented the idea and ambition for the race to become a Five Borough marathon to then-mayor Abraham Beame. Sutton co-founded Harlem Week along with Lloyd Williams, Voza Rivers and Ossie Davis, in 1974 to grow Harlem economically while celebrating its history, community, and culture. He died in 2009, and the first 5K race named in his honor was run that year during HARLEM WEEK.
This year’s race begins on Edgecombe Avenue at W. 136th Street. The route centers around St. Nicholas Park and circles Harlem. It counts as a 9+1 qualifier for the New York City Marathon.
“You’re honoring the people that made it possible for us to be there and continue Harlem as a place where the community stays together,” said Jackson. “You see runners, but you also see people participating simply because they want to be part of something bigger.”
The post It’s a run for history, and for the fun of it at the Percy Sutton Harlem 5k Run appeared first on New York Amsterdam News.
