Panel Events Highlighting the Importance of Inclusivity in Sports
This week, New York Road Runners hosted two panel events to celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride Month in June and Disability Pride Month in July. On Monday, Achilles International, TD, and New York Road Runners led the “Investing in Race Day: Saving Up to Go the Distance” panel featuring an engaging discussion about how runners can prepare physically, financially, and mentally for a big race.
On Wednesday, the "KICK: A Discussion on Queer Running, Identity, and Love" panel discussion led by the Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run in partnership with the KICK documentary, Volvo Cars, New Balance, and New York Road Runners featured a sneak peek of the unreleased documentary "KICK" featuring professional athlete Nikki Hiltz. The discussion explored themes of authenticity in sport, the personal side of LGBTQ+ athletes, and queer joy.
Read more about the panels below.
Investing in Race Day: Saving Up to Go the Distance
This panel, hosted by Achilles International, TD, and New York Road Runners, brought featured panelists Francesco Magisano (he/him), director and Achilles NYC metro/certified coach; Suraj Chaitan, Achilles NYC handcyclist; Marcus Gonzales, TD community business development officer; and Simone Sampaio, NYRR coach, who discussed how to prepare physically, financially, and mentally for a big race. From building a sustainable training routine to creating a realistic savings plan and identifying available resources, this panel discussion, explored what it really takes to get to the start line.
While running is often seen as one of the most accessible sports, the reality is that participating in races, especially major events or destination races, requires meaningful investments of time, money, planning, and support systems. For athletes with disabilities, these factors can be even more complex, including adaptive equipment, guide support, specialized training, and additional travel and logistical considerations.
This conversation provided tangible tips and explored how athletes can successfully plan ahead. From training and nutrition to race entry, travel, and gear, panelists examined both the visible and hidden costs of participation, with a focus on the unique barriers and considerations within the adaptive sports community.
KICK: A Discussion on Queer Running, Identity, and Love
In partnership with the KICK documentary, Volvo Cars, New Balance, and New York Road Runners, the Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run brought a sneak peek of the unreleased documentary featuring Nikki Hiltz and Emma Gee’s journey together. "KICK" incorporates behind-the-scenes footage of Nikki’s 2024 season as an elite athlete fighting to achieve their dream and encountering hurdles along the way. As they chase excellence, Nikki grapples with the challenge of embracing their trans nonbinary identity while competing in a world that demands conformity.
J Solle, director Front Runners New York LGBTQ+ Pride Run, moderated the panel featuring Zoe Tippl of Front Runners NY and documentary filmmaker Julia Schwalb, who is based in Brooklyn. The discussion explored themes of authenticity in sport, the personal side of LGBTQ+ athletes, and queer joy.
The panel event was followed by the Front Runners Wednesday Fun Run where runners got a chance to interact with one another.
