Marking a milestone: the enduring impact of the New York Road Runners' Striders at the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K, now in its 15th year.
The Percy Sutton Harlem 5K, held on Aug. 9, 2025, was a testament to the enduring spirit of older adults and the power of community. Organised by the New York Road Runners (NYRR) Striders program, this annual event has become a significant milestone for thousands of individuals who seek to celebrate their physical achievements and foster a culture of active aging.
The NYRR Striders program, initially a local initiative, has grown into a citywide phenomenon, empowering older adults to embrace physical activity and maintain an active lifestyle. In Harlem, the program has a particularly strong presence, with events like the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K serving as a platform to celebrate the legacy of Percy Sutton, a prominent figure in Harlem's history.
The Percy Sutton Harlem 5K is more than just a race; it's a celebration of community, strength, and the resilience of older adults. It offers participants the opportunity to connect, build friendships, and share their journey towards healthier aging. Gertrude Lane, a 96-year-old participant, has been part of the Striders program since its inception and continues to be an inspiration to all.
The event attracted more than 5,200 participants, including first-time runners like Joanna Gutierrez. For Lane, the race was a cherished occasion, with her church friends cheering her on every step of the way. Lane's dedication to the Striders program is deeply rooted in her faith and her lifelong friendships within Mt. Zion Lutheran Church.
The NYRR Striders program's success is underpinned by preparation initiatives such as the "Run for the Future" summer practice program. This program helps participants prepare for the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K, providing resources like New Balance sneakers to ensure they have the tools needed to participate effectively.
The day of the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K demonstrated that it is never too late to better oneself. Myna Majors, Lane's coach and close friend, emphasises the importance of starting slow and being consistent to stay active later in life. Lane advises older adults to start with walking and gradually increase speed before attempting to run.
The Percy Sutton Harlem 5K was a highlight of Harlem Week, a cultural festival that celebrates the rich heritage of Harlem. The event was also supported by numerous organisations, including the Rising NYRR youth program and nearly 200 members of the Tau Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
The sense of community and camaraderie at the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K is one of its most rewarding aspects. Majors finds it particularly inspiring, as it showcases the power of community support in encouraging and motivating older adults to lead active, healthy lives.
As the NYRR Striders program continues to grow, so too does the impact it has on older adults in Harlem and beyond. Through its commitment to community, physical activity, and celebration, the program serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for those seeking to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle.
The NYRR Striders program, in its commitment to community, offers opportunities for older adults to engage in health-and-wellness activities such as fitness-and-exercise, with events like the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K promoting an active lifestyle and combating aging. The strong presence of the program in Harlem resonates deeply with its participants, many of whom draw inspiration from figures like Gertrude Lane, a 96-year-old participant who has been part of the program since its inception. The Percy Sutton Harlem 5K, by fostering a sense of community and camaraderie, celebrates womens-health and the resilience of older adults, making it a significant event in Harlem's health-and-wellness and sports calendar.
