It was a rainy April 28, 1891 when the New York State Legislature passed a bill to establish the NY Botanical Garden. Okay, we don't know if it was raining that day, but we do know botanist Nathaniel Lord Britton and his wife Elizabeth Gertrude Knight Britton (strong names), served as founders of the new grounds, inspired by the Royal Botanic Garden in Kew, England.
Fast forward a cool 134 years later (2025), the Garden opens it's beautiful, vine-wrapped gates to the first-ever Community 5K Fun Run. With a year under it's belt and Boogie Down Bronx Founder Lenny Grullon helping steer the ship, the 5K features a new course and partners (ahem) to make it an even more special day of community running.
We sat down with NYBG Director of Programming, Helena LaPorte-Burns, to learn a bit more about the event. Let's get into it...
Hello! Hello! First things first, who do we have the pleasure of interviewing today?
Hello! My name is Helena LaPorte-Burns and I’m a proud resident of Sunnyside, Queens. I am the Director of Public Programming at the New York Botanical Garden where I have worked for eight years. Running is my favorite way to explore a new place, and I spent my early years at the Garden running around the 250-acres in the early mornings.
Tell us, how'd the idea of hosting a 5K on the grounds first come around?
Running at NYBG is not a new idea—in our founding charter in 1891, NYBG dedicated itself not just to the advancement of botanical science and knowledge, but to be a space for “the entertainment, recreation, and instruction” of the communities we serve. I had the idea for hosting a run for some time and in 2024 I met Lenin Grullon, Co-Founder of the Boogie Down Bronx Rub Club. I asked if he’d want to plan this with me and I am very fortunate that he said yes!
Tell us a little about the course. What can participants expect to see along the way? What’s changed from last year?
This is a moment to enjoy the best parts of urban running without the obstacles of cars or traffic lights! The course is 3.1 miles through our gardens and collections, beginning at our Main Visitor Center and finishing at the entrance to the Native Plant Garden. While most of the course is paved, this year’s course takes you off the road and onto the trails with 0.5 miles through the Thain Family Forest—our 50-acre old growth forest nestled in the heart of the Garden. As you leave the paved road for the forest floor, runners will get to listen to the sounds of the Bronx River and enjoy the shade of oaks, maples and sweetgums. Visitors will also pass by art installations for our ongoing exhibition Flower Power as well as our iconic Enid A. Haupt Conservatory landmark. Rain or shine, the plants will be there to greet our runners!
How does this race connect to the Garden’s larger mission and its relationship with NYC?
This run is timed to coincide with the conclusion of NYC Climate Week. More than a community run, the 5K Fun Run supports the Garden’s work to protect biodiversity in support of a healthier and more sustainable future. This work is not done alone, and participants are invited to come together on Daffodil Hill after the run to meet environmental advocates, NYBG Staff, the incomparable Boogie Down Bronx Run Club, and Bronx residents dedicated to this mission.
What do you hope participants take away from the fun run?
Well, like the name indicates, I hope that you have fun! Beyond that, I hope that you see something new. I am privileged to spend every day in this landscape, and each day brings a new sight of a bird, insect, flower, sound…it’s just the wonder of time spent outdoors. Running gives the gift of observation and with the more people taking in the world around them the better. I will add that in signing up, your participation directly supports NYBG’s work here and around the world to protect biodiversity and develop plant-based solutions to climate change.
We've talked about a ton of ideas, but what does Bandit's involvement help bring to this year’s race?
Bandit’s involvement means that we are building this community!! With Bandit, we can share our love of plants with a community who loves this sport to continue imagining an ecosystem that supports science, arts, culture, and recreation. Like Bandit, NYBG embraces a global community while nurturing its roots. I used to live two blocks away from the Bandit headquarters in Greenpoint and recognize Bandit as a brand synonymous with urban running. It’s personally very special for me to have Bandit’s support in building community impact and environmental leadership.
SPEED ROUND
- Race the clock or enjoy the scenery: Enjoy the scenery
- Favorite season at NYBG: Spring
- Most underrated part of the Garden: The Home Gardening Center
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Favorite flower/tree/etc: At NYBG, it’s a collection of Tanyosho Pine Trees right at mile 3!
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Thank you to Helena for taking the time! See you on Sunday, September 27th.
