ABOUT

Our Mission

Run for Chinatown’s mission is to inspire people and challenge limits through the sport of running. We host weekly runs and special events in an effort to spread awareness and provide economic support to the Asian & Pacific Islander communities in New York City.


Through our programming, Run for Chinatown builds a sense of belonging and celebrates cultural diversity by collaborating with local organizations and youth programs to empower the API community.

 

 

 Our Impact

 

$141,000+

Funds Raised

5,000+

Miles Covered

170+

Members

Who We’ve Supported

  • COMA

  • APEX for Youth

  • Golden Fung Wong Bakery

  • Meals for Unity

  • And many more!

Our Story

 

Chinatown Struggles

Manhattan Chinatown was one of the first communities critically affected when the world began to learn of the COVID-19 virus. Foot traffic in the neighborhood rapidly declined with local businesses experiencing an 80% exodus of patrons, even prior to the citywide shut down.

While unreported at the time, the AAPI community across New York City experienced an uptick in anti-Asian sentiment and hate crimes. Compounding the global tragedy and precariousness of life as a result of the pandemic, reported hate crimes against New York City’s AAPI community spiked 343% between 2020 and 2021.

Photo by Justin Yiu

 

A Challenge is Born

In 2020, Leland Yu reached a pivotal turning point amid the raging devastation of the pandemic. In an effort to redirect his energy toward supporting his hometown, Leland (a self-described inconsistent-runner) decided to embark on a 12-hour running challenge - collecting $1 from donors in exchange for every mile run. In total, with the challenge in mind, Leland completed 61 miles throughout the New York City boroughs in 12 hours and raised $25,000 from supporters.

The funds from his first challenge purchased 2,000 meals from local restaurants to feed front-line workers. Seeing the real-time impact, Leland embarked on additional initiatives to raise money and awareness for Chinatown. By the end of 2021, he had covered over 250 miles and raised $140,000 for local businesses and organizations.

 

A Community Unites

In late 2020, Leland linked up with USATF and RRCA Certified Run Coach, Run Coach Kai. On May 10, 2021, they began hosting Monday night group runs to bring the community together. Some joiners are seasoned running veterans, others identify as beginners, and some are even walkers. Regardless of experience, the group starts and finishes together in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

The inaugural run brought together seven runners. By the end of 2021, Run for Chinatown grew into a group with of more than 150 community-oriented runners, with 50+ coming together every Monday night.

Run for Chinatown welcomes everyone. Together, we challenge limits; and we build and celebrate community by supporting and collaborating with local businesses, projects, and initiatives.

It all begins with a Monday night run.