On June 5, 2019, I had the opportunity to photograph Global Running Day in New York City for Clif Bar, documenting an unforgettable evening alongside ultrarunning legend Scott Jurek and the iconic Bridge Runners NYC community.
Global Running Day brings runners together from around the world to celebrate the sport, but in New York City, the event felt especially electric. Hundreds of runners gathered in Manhattan, representing every pace, background, and level of experience. What united everyone was a shared passion for running and the sense of community that comes with it.
The evening began at the longtime Bridge Runners gathering spot at the corner of Avenue C and East 5th Street in the East Village. Before the run even started, the energy was palpable. Runners packed the sidewalks, catching up with friends, meeting fellow athletes, and listening to instructions from the Bridge Runners leadership team. It was one of those uniquely New York moments where a neighborhood corner transformed into the starting line for something much bigger.
One of the special guests was Scott Jurek, widely regarded as one of the greatest ultramarathon runners of all time. Known for his dominance in some of the world’s toughest endurance races and his bestselling book Eat & Run, Jurek has inspired countless runners to challenge their limits. Seeing him interact with participants throughout the evening reinforced why he remains such a respected figure within the running community.
From a photography standpoint, this assignment required a different approach than most events. Rather than photographing from a fixed location, I needed to stay with a moving crowd weaving through the streets of Manhattan. To keep pace with the runners and continuously find new angles, I relied on my Sony camera equipment and an Evolve electric skateboard. The combination allowed me to move ahead of the group, capture runners as they approached, and quickly reposition throughout the route. It was a fast paced shoot that demanded constant movement, anticipation, and creativity.
After leaving the East Village, the group made its way toward the Williamsburg Bridge, one of New York City’s most iconic running routes. Crossing the bridge alongside hundreds of runners offered incredible views of the city and showcased the energy that has made Bridge Runners a legendary part of New York’s running culture. As the group climbed above the East River and moved into Brooklyn, the city itself became part of the story.
The route continued through Williamsburg, passing landmarks such as the historic Williamsburgh Savings Bank building, now known as Weylin. As dusk settled over the city, the building’s dramatic lighting created one of the most visually striking moments of the evening. The contrast between the glowing architecture, the cool blue sky, and the moving crowd of runners made for some of my favorite photographs from the assignment.
Throughout the evening, I focused on documenting more than just the miles. The conversations before the run, the encouragement shared among participants, the excitement of running alongside a legend, and the friendships formed along the route all helped tell the story. Events like this are never just about fitness. They’re about connection.
One of the most memorable moments came when the group gathered beneath Queen Andrea’s newly completed Believe mural at the iconic Bowery Wall. With nearly 200 runners filling the street from curb to curb, the scene perfectly captured the spirit of Global Running Day. The mural’s vibrant colors and uplifting message provided an unforgettable backdrop for what became one of my favorite photographs from the entire assignment.
Capturing a group portrait of that size in the middle of Manhattan required a bit of coordination, but the final image was worth it. Looking across the crowd, you could see every type of runner represented, from first timers to seasoned marathoners, all united by a shared love of running and community. The photograph became a visual reminder of what makes New York City’s running culture so special.
The evening concluded at The Refuge NYC, where Clif Bar hosted an afterparty for participants. After miles of running through Manhattan and Brooklyn, runners gathered to celebrate, refuel, share stories from the route, and reflect on an incredible Global Running Day experience. It was the perfect ending to a night built around movement, community, and connection.
Looking back more than six years later, this remains one of my favorite assignments. It combined everything I enjoy about photography: authentic storytelling, dynamic action, inspiring people, and the opportunity to document a community coming together around a shared passion. Clif Bar brought together an incredible event, Bridge Runners supplied the energy and culture, Scott Jurek inspired runners of all levels, and New York City provided the perfect backdrop.
Some assignments are memorable because of the client. Others are memorable because of the location. This one stands out because of the people. From the crowded sidewalks of the East Village to the Williamsburg Bridge, the streets of Brooklyn, the Bowery Wall, and the final celebration at The Refuge NYC, Global Running Day 2019 was a reminder of how powerful community can be when hundreds of people come together with a common purpose.
GEAR
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