UN Day Race 2024: A Dynamic NYC Community Runs for Global Goals

Left to right: UK ambassador Archie Young, Swiss ambassador Adrian Hauri, UNA-NYC’s Sheryl Alemany, Canadian ambassador Michael Gort, and Netherlands ambassador Bahia Tahzib-Lie.

The UN Day Race, held on October 26 in New York City, marked the 79th anniversary of the United Nations. Coordinated by Sheryl Alemany for the United Nations Association of New York (UNA-NYC), the event invited participants to run, walk, or bike through Central Park. The race served as a celebration of the UN’s values, particularly focusing on the importance of gender equality. It included both in-person and virtual participation options, allowing supporters worldwide to engage with the event.

This annual race has grown over the years, blending athleticism with a mission of global solidarity. UNA-NYC organized the event with a dual goal: to raise awareness of the UN’s work and to encourage public engagement on pressing global issues. By choosing gender equality as this year’s theme, the organization sought to emphasize a critical Sustainable Development Goal, showcasing efforts to address disparities and advocate for inclusive policies.

The UN Day Race brought together a diverse group of participants, including the PRunners, a community of runners from the UN itself. Known for their dedication to health and fitness, PRunners brought an additional layer of international solidarity to the event. Their participation underscored the connection between UN personnel and the public they serve, aligning with the race’s mission to raise awareness on global issues, such as gender equality, and to foster a spirit of unity across cultures.

As both runners and advocates, the PRunners symbolized the UN’s commitment to active community engagement, connecting personal wellness with global goals for a more inclusive and sustainable world.

Proceeds from the race helped support UNA-NYC’s initiatives, including public programming and educational outreach in New York City. Moreover, it demonstrated how community events can inspire collective action and awareness around global challenges, bringing a human connection to the organization’s work in fostering peace, security, and human rights.