"Open Run Is About Access, Consistency, and Community"
To continue our celebration of Black History Month, we interviewed two Black women who play an integral role in the NYRR Open Run sessions at Baisley Pond Park in Queens. We asked what motivated them to join Open Run, what keeps them coming back week after week, and why diversity in the running community matters. Open Run brings free, weekly community-led runs in neighborhood parks across the greater New York City area, welcoming runners and walkers of all ages, abilities, and experience levels.
LaToya Krider
LaToya with other Open Run participants at Baisley Pond Park.
LaToya is an attorney who has been going to Open Run in Baisley Pond Park since 2016. She grew near there and wanted to be a part of an event that promotes health and wellness in that community.
What motivated you to join the Open Run sessions in Baisley Pond Park?
I grew up close to Baisley Pond Park and during that time I don’t recall seeing many (if any) programs like Open Run. Programs that bring the community together and promote health for people of all ages are very important and rare. Especially those that are free. I think programs such as Open Run are essential in those communities.
What inspires you to keep showing up?
Because I feel invested. Programs like Open Run are so valuable to communities and I feel a sense of obligation to make sure I’m doing all I can to keep it going. Seeing everyone week to week brings a certain kind of accountability that makes coming back a priority.
Any stories you’d like to share about your experience with Open Run?
One of my favorite parts of Open Run is seeing people achieve their goals and milestones they didn’t think they could. It’s always so nice to see someone complete their 5K faster than ever before, or to make it two loops around the park as opposed to only being able to complete one.
Do you feel that the NYC running community is diverse/not diverse enough?
I do not feel like the running community is diverse enough. I started running in 2014 and while I do see more diversity than back when I started, there is still a lack of Black people in races and running spaces in general. There is something about seeing people who look like you in the running space that helps keep you motivated and that’s why it’s essential to be seen.
How has your experience been as a Black woman runner in this space?
I just try to keep showing up. Not only for myself, but for what I represent when I show up to the starting line. I’ve been grateful to be on this journey with a group of friends who started running the same time as I did and I couldn't be more thankful for them and their support.
Anything else you’d like to add?
It’s really important that NYRR supports and highlights Black runners and Baisley Pond Park as it’s one of a few parks that is in a predominantly Black neighborhood. For years, Black runners haven’t felt welcomed in running spaces and it’s important that NYRR make Black runners feel seen and supported.
Lorianne Wolseley
Lorianne on the left in the back with other Open Run participants at Baisley Pond Park.
Lorianne is a lawyer/administrative law judge in New York City who joined Open Run at Baisley Pond Park in 2022. She believes Open Run creates safe, welcoming spaces where anyone can participate.
What motivated you to join the Open Run sessions in Baisley Pond Park?
I was motivated by the opportunity to run in a predominantly Black community and be part of something that felt accessible and welcoming. As a runner, I know how intimidating running spaces can be. Open Run at Baisley Pond Park felt different—it was local, inclusive, and truly rooted in the community, which made me want to be part of it.
What inspires you to keep showing up?
The sense of community. Seeing people show up week after week, supporting one another, and gaining confidence—whether they’re walking, jogging, or running—keeps me motivated to return.
Any stories you’d like to share about your experience with Open Run?
I’ve seen people show up nervous and unsure, saying they’re “not runners,” and then slowly start believing that they belong. I’ve also seen participants encourage each other, celebrate small wins, and form real connections. Those moments remind me that Open Run is about so much more than the run itself. Recently, two walkers told me that they are running the Brooklyn Half in May and, recently, I watched them jog the park for the first time. This made my day!
Do you feel that the NYC running community is diverse/not diverse enough?
The NYC running community is one of the most diverse in the world, but that diversity isn’t always reflected on the start line. I run races all over the country and around the world, and often there aren’t many people who look like me—but that has never stopped me from showing up. Programs like Open Run help close that gap by bringing running into neighborhoods and creating spaces where people may not otherwise feel included in traditional running spaces. I truly believe that initiatives like Open Run are a big reason why the NYC running community continues to grow more diverse and more representative of the city itself.
How has your experience been as a Black woman runner in this space?
As a Black woman and a back-of-the-pack runner, being visible matters. Representation helps people feel comfortable, seen, and welcome. Open Run has been a space where others feel supported, and I’m proud to help show that Black women and slower runners belong in running spaces, too.
Anything else you’d like to add?
Open Run is about access, consistency, and community. It’s encouraging to see how something as simple as showing up every week can build confidence, create connection, and foster a real sense of belonging. After every Open Run, I post photos on our Facebook page with messages like, “We look forward to seeing you next week,” or “We showed up and got it done.” I truly believe people leave feeling welcomed, included, and proud of themselves.
I’ve run the New York City Marathon seven times, completed the Berlin Marathon, and I’m currently on a quest to run a half marathon in every state. So far, I’ve checked off about twelve states. While I often find myself in spaces where not many runners look like me, that has never deterred me from showing up. If anything, it motivates me to keep going—because representation matters, and someone has to be visible. Running has taken me around the world, but it’s also grounded me in my own community and reminds me that this sport truly belongs to everyone.
You May Also Like...
Hyacinth Tyson-King and the Power of a Running Community
NYRR Open Run Leaders Inspiring Their Communities