Percy Sutton Harlem 5K takes place

Runners took to the streets of Harlem Saturday for the Percy Sutton Harlem 5K.

“This yr being over 5,000 individuals, it’s nice to be again in Harlem. Nice to have the group out right here once more,” stated Ted Mettelus, race director for the TCS New York Metropolis Marathon.

The race is a part of Harlem Week, a celebration began in 1974 as Harlem Day. It was an thought co-founded by the person who Saturday’s race is called after: Percy Sutton. This yr’s Harlem Week will proceed by way of subsequent Sunday.

The occasion was hosted by two organizations Sutton was deeply concerned with: the New York Street Runners and the Better Harlem Chamber of Commerce. 

“He was an avid walker. When he would inform me that he would stroll at six within the morning, I assumed he was pulling my leg as a result of he would tease rather a lot. However he did. He would get out and train frequently each morning,” stated Sutton’s granddaughter, Keisha Sutton-James.

The theme of Saturday’s occasion was anti-gun violence. Organizers say its serves as a name to finish gun violence nationwide.

“I’m hoping that this stroll brings consciousness to the problems round gun violence, notably right here in Harlem and different communities like Harlem,” stated Laquisha Grant, a Harlem resident who took half within the stroll.

Sutton handed away in 2009. Amongst his many accomplishments and titles, he was an influential civil rights lawyer and town’s longest-serving Manhattan Borough President. 

His granddaughter now serves as Deputy Borough President.