LEADERSHIP TEAM
Name: Alison Mariella Désir
AKA: Powdered Feet AKA “Fearless Leader” AKA Lauryn Hill AKA Left Eye
Stats: Lost count - 6 marathons - NYC (3x) (Best - 3:56:50); Many half marathons (Best - 1:38:56); 2 ultra marathons
Why do you run: Running is empowering and I love using fitness as a vehicle for social change and community building
Tagline: "Find meaning on the run"
Can't Help But Say: "Nah, b."
Theme song: "All I do is Win, Remix" Dj Khaled
Photo by David Jaewon Oh
Name: Amir Muhammad Figueroa
AKA: Figs, "Alison’s Husband", and “Kouri’s Dad”
Stats: 6x ultra-marathons ; 7x marathons - NYC (4x), Miami (2x - Personal Best - 3:00:33) & Boston; 4x half-marathons
Why do you run: Running is an act of mindfulness and meditation for me, but in the presence of others it is all about community
Tagline: "Collaboration is key"
Can't Help But Say: "Yoooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Theme song: "Black Superhero” by Robert Glasper
Name: Jesse Liriano
AKA: "BEAST" a.k.a. "JessDoIt" a.k.a. "JESSEEEEE"
Stats: Multiple obstacle races, Obstacle marathon race, Several ultra-marathons, marathons and everything in between
Why do you run: To discover new limits and inspire others.
Tag line: "Where are we eating? Anybody going out tonight?"
Can't help but say: "I'm racing this weekend"
Theme Song: DNA by Kendrick Lamar
Name: JD (that's all you need to know)
AKA: "Nachos" (I bet you didn't know that)
Stats: I'm a Tough Mudder, Class of 2011, 1 marathon (NYCM 2017 - Woop! Woop!), 7 Half-Marathons
Why do you run: For the health benefits that helps me live longer. I also do it because I enjoy it...it's therapeutic and ultimately it fits within my fitness lifestyle.
Tag line: "BROOOOOOOOOOKLYN!!!"
Can't help but say: "If you have something nice to say, say it!"
Theme Song: Anything Notorious B.I.G. (but for today) "Things Done Changed"
Photo by Quentin Mui
Name: Kristina Maria Lopez
AKA: "Coco" (IYKYK)
Stats: 1x NYC Marathon, Camino de Santiago Peregrina, 1x NYC Century Bike Tour
Why do you run: I run to try to make life easier for future me
Tag line: "Let’s Get Free!"
Can't help but say: "Peace"
Theme Song: “Hip Hop” by Dead Prez
Name: Darryl Milton
AKA: (i.e. also known as) D or DAH-RELL (HR after dark)
Stats: NYC Marathon 2019, countless half-marathons and other races
Why do you run: I started running for my own mental health and physical health, now I use it as a tool for community empowerment and social change
Tag line: Everyone runs at their own pace
Can't help but say: "You got this!”
Theme Song: Anything on “I Love My 90’s Hip Hop” on Spotify
Name: Maurice
AKA: Mo
Stats: Marathons, Half-Marathons, 5K, 10K
Why do you run: I run to keep this body moving and growing
Tag line: If you don’t have nothing nice to say…don’t say anything at all
Can't help but say: "Here’s the thing…”
Theme Song: “You Betta WORK” by RuPaul
Name: Starr
Stats: 2 Marathons, 9 Half-Marathons
Why do you run: I run because it brings me peace; it brings me joy. Running keeps me connected to my community.
Tag line: Comparison is the thief of joy
Can't help but say: "Interesting”
Theme Song: “Maps” by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Name: Jamie Jimenez
AKA: Andy
Stats: 3x Ultra-Marathon, 2x marathon, 17x Half-marathon, 1 Half Ironman World Championship, 2x Ironman 70.3, 8x Olympic Triathalon, 4x Spring Triathalon
Why do you run: I run to help me think, clear my head and overcome challenges
Tag line: “I’m gonna go run a few miles I’ll be back soon…(two hours later)…I’m sorry I decided to go a little longer”
Can't help but say: "This is my last race”
Theme Song: “Born For This” by The Score
Name: Giselle Guerrero
AKA: GiGi
Stats: 2 half-marathons, 1 marathon (NYCM)
Why do you run: I run because it helps me to release stress and it allows me to view my body as something to be grateful for and I am able to push myself as I run. It gives me an opportunity to enjoy my surroundings.
Tag line: “Let’s get it! I can do this!”
Can't help but say: "Que se va hacer”
Theme Song: “Pepas” by Farruko or “Promises” by Maverick City
Name: Evonne
AKA: None
Stats: 2 half-marathons, 1 Ragnar Relay Race, 1 10K and many 5Ks
Why do you run: I run because it is free exercise! I like it keeps me in shape and helps tire me out for a good night’s sleep. I enjoy the community of Harlem Run and camaraderie of races.
Tag line: “If I am only happy for myself, many fewer chances for happiness. If I am happy when good things happen to other people, billions more chances to be happy!” - Dalai Lama
Can't help but say: Curse Words! I’m trying to do better.
Theme Song: “My First Song” by Jay-Z
Photo by John Le Tran