A Celebration Of Community And Legacy At The Percy Sutton Harlem 5k Run

By: Keith L. Forest

HARLEM, NY — Under a serene summer sky, Harlem streets transformed into a living tapestry of athletic achievement, community pride, and enduring history as thousands gathered for the annual Percy Sutton Harlem 5K. Organized by New York Road Runners (NYRR) in partnership with The Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce (GHCC) in celebration of HARLEM WEEK — the day captured a serene yet energetic spirit, uniting elite athletes, local families, and first-time runners in a rhythmic celebration through one of New York City’s most historic neighborhoods.

Leading the charge at the front of the pack, Ryan Kutch broke the tape to claim first place in the men’s division with an impressive time of 14:58, closely trailed by Joe Ewing, who took second place in a swift 15:05. On the women’s side, Anastasia Dmitrienko delivered a commanding performance, crossing the finish line in 16:51 to secure the top spot.

Beyond the tape, the race’s true heartbeat resonated through the hundreds of inspiring stories unfolding along the route. Among the field were 60 young women from NYRR Run for the Future, a free six-week summer program introducing NYC high school women to running while fostering wellness, goal setting, and mental health. Celebrating its 15th anniversary—having empowered nearly 700 young women across the five boroughs over the years—the program saw its current cohort complete their first-ever 5K as their annual graduation milestone. Running alongside them in solidarity and encouragement were Emmy Award-winning sports reporter Sam Ryan and former deputy Manhattan borough president Keisha Sutton-James, the granddaughter of Percy Sutton himself.

The spirit of fresh starts extended across the field, as more than two dozen participants from the newly launched NYRR Open Run New Runner Clinic completed their debut 5K. Having trained through six coach-led summer sessions, these runners crossed the finish line as a testament to the power of accessible, community-driven fitness. Adding to the day’s warmth, young athletes ages 2 to 18 darted down the streets in free Rising New York Road Runners races and dashes, while neighbors and elders strolled through the Dr. Hazel Dukes 1-Mile Family Health Walk, recently renamed to honor the revered civil rights icon and longtime Harlem resident.

The entire morning served as a moving tribute to the late Hon. Percy Sutton, the visionary leader and Manhattan borough president who championed the inaugural five-borough New York City Marathon in 1976 and founded HARLEM DAY, the precursor to HARLEM WEEK. As New York Road Runners honors Sutton this year through “The Trailblazers” campaign, the day’s festivities carried seamlessly into the evening at the Apollo Stages at the Victoria. There, NYRR CEO Rob Simmelkjaer and Keisha Sutton-James hosted a live podcast taping of NYRR Set the Pace Presented by Peloton, joined by hip-hop artist FERG to reflect on Sutton’s legacy and the timeless energy of Harlem.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR) NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s events, community, provider, and youth programs serve hundreds of thousands of people annually, encouraging runners of all ages and abilities to achieve their goals and lead active, healthy lives.