United Airlines NYC Half is more than a road race, it’s a community

On March 16, some of New York’s most famous landmarks will serve as mile markers for the United Airlines NYC Half. For the first time in the event’s history, the field of over 30,000 participants will cross over the Brooklyn Bridge, run through Times Square and toward their ultimate goal: the finish line in Central Park.

It’s hard to think of a more iconic road racecourse in the country. What makes this event truly special, however, is the community that supports it, including countless athletes, run clubs, volunteers and spectators.

It’s why Citizens is proud to be the official bank of New York Road Runners and the United Airlines NYC Half. We know how strong the sense of community is here in New York, and we’re excited to join in and support the vibrant spirit that defines this race and this city.

But what is it about running — a sport focused on individual performance — that fosters such camaraderie? Three-time United Airlines NYC Half runner and New York Road Runners coach Elvin Adames explains. He said, "We're all winners at the end of the run. Doesn't matter if you did it in five hours or you did it in ten minutes," explained Elvin. He continued, "For that one moment, that one race, we're all equal. Doesn't matter where you came from. Doesn't matter your upbringing or your profession. That moment, we're equal."

Creating community through running

Elvin does more than just understand running's sense of community, he embodies it. After taking up running nearly a decade ago, he quickly began to see its benefits. Physically, he felt stronger and was losing weight. He also saw an improvement in his mental health. Running provided a way to relieve stress, it fostered self-discipline, and helped teach him to overcome challenges. As Elvin describes it, movement became his "medicine."

He wanted to share those benefits with his friends, family and neighbors in Inwood, a predominately Latino community in northern Manhattan where he was born and raised. "I noticed that in my community there was a lack of entry level health educational resources," explained Elvin. "We have all these amazing parks in our community, and I just saw the untapped potential and I wanted to create a platform to share these benefits with everyone in my community."

The idea inspired Elvin to form the Dyckman Run Club in 2019. Soon, his community of untapped potential became one teeming with successes. Their membership has since swelled to more than 500 runners. The club's volunteer initiatives were recognized by the New York State Senate with an Empire Award, an honor given to organizations that have made significant contributions to their communities. They even created their own 5K event in the Inwood neighborhood, which to Elvin, proved how running could bring a community together.

Just as Elvin saw the potential in his community, Citizens sees the potential in ours. Through our partnership with New York Road Runners, we’re able to connect with and support people all across the city — whether their goal is to PR in the next race or reach the next step in their financial journey.

An ‘electric’ experience

Elvin's vision and passion is an inspiration to all of us at Citizens. It reminds us that running has an amazing ability to build connections and create positive change. That magical power will be on full display March 16, as runners from Team Citizens and thousands of other participants hit the streets of New York for the United Airlines NYC Half.

"It's electric," explained Elvin when asked what make the race so special. He added, "There's no feeling in the world like running through Times Square with thousands of people alongside you. I think that’s a moment many runners cherish forever."

It's a moment Citizens certainly cherishes. Which is why we'll be there — from start to finish (and beyond) — helping to provide that electric feeling and incredible sense of community pride.