Born in Queens, Run in Bronx
- Annabella Carbone
- Jun 11, 2018
- 2 min read
I am a Queens girl—born and raised.
I always ventured to other boroughs in NYC, but never the Bronx. New York City is super rich in culture and as a New Yorker, it is our obligation to learn about where we are from to keep the pulse alive and to teach those that come into our city about its rich history. The Bronx contributes to the character of our city. I learned it is where Hip-Hop and Salsa were born, and it is the borough where famed poet Edgar Allan Poe resided! Among those wonderful facts about the Bronx as aforementioned, there are some upsetting facts too. Out of the 62 counties, the Bronx was deemed the unhealthiest county in all of New York. The Bronx was ranked at the bottom for quality of life, with physical and mental health factors being considered. The rate for premature death in the Bronx (death before the age of 75) is 6,900 per 100,000. Meanwhile, the national average is 7,700. These are some eye-opening numbers that are hard to reverse, but it isn’t impossible.
You might be wondering how this Queens girl found herself so interested in the Bronx. Now that I am working in Manhattan and becoming more acquainted with an array of people, I find myself up there more often…but running.
That is where I celebrated this past Global Running Day (June 6th…mark ya calendars). The Bronx Running Division were the hosts of this 5 kilometer run that started at Joseph Yancey Track and Field across from the iconic Yankee Stadium. For those unfamiliar with the Bronx Running Division, they are comprised of run crews from the Bronx: Bronx Sole, Boogie Down Bronx Runners, Mile Stylers, and Bronx Nomads. Their mission is to promote health and wellness throughout the Bronx. Clearly, this is something that is needed! Running has a plethora of health benefits:
Overall mental health
Stronger lungs
Prevents high blood pressure
Strengthens immune system
Weight control
Strong legs
Relieves stress
Increased bone density
This past Wednesday, about 150 Bronx natives came out to celebrate Global Running Day. All paces, ages, genders, nationalities, etc. were welcome to run. This is just the spark that will ignite the wave of health and change for the Boogie Down Bronx. Remember, you don’t have to run marathons or be the fastest person. If you are just starting, doing it, and not giving up, that is what counts. The only way that change can happen is if everyone contributes to the cause. If you just sit back and watch, then you are doing an injustice. Be a part of the change. The Bronx is a hike, so start locally!
To read more about these crews or where you can run:
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