Chinatown Block Watch
***RESULTS UPDATE***
On Monday March 22nd, I completed the Virtual United Airlines NYC Half Marathon with a pace of 7:44 minutes/mile. According to the rules of the challenge, I am now asking friends, family, and whoever is down for the cause to contribute $16, or anything within your means, to the Chinatown Block Watch. If you are not able to contribute financially, no problem. Sharing the story and the cause helps all the same!
Thank you for all of your support!
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Hello all!
On Monday March 22nd, I will be racing in the Virtual United Airlines NYC Half Marathon. I will be fundraising for the Chinatown Block Watch.
The Chinatown Block Watch was started over a year ago during the onset of the pandemic to provide a visible deterrent to attackers and friendly face to neighbors. The group was started by Karlin Chan, longtime Chinatown resident and community member, who is also behind other initiatives including the Chinatown Mural Project, "founded to promote the installation of murals around the Manhattan Chinatown area," and The Big Sweep, a weekly Saturday morning street cleaning event. The block watch started out with just a handful of friends but has grown to a group of 20-30 members.
As with all of his projects, he has mostly been paying out of pocket for whatever is needed to get the job done. With the recent uptick and spotlight on Asian hate crimes, the Chinatown Block Watch is needed now more than ever, and I hope to raise funds to provide them with uniforms, supplies, and equipment so that they can safely keep an eye out on the neighborhood.
Now comes the running challenge part! Rather than distance, I will be going for speed. I am asking for a donation of $1 for every second under 8 minute/mile pace that I run. For example, if I complete the half marathon with a pace of 7:50 minute/mile, you donate $10, if I finish with 7:40 minute/mile pace, you donate $20 (this pace will be quite fast for me).
Results will be posted on this page and on IG @runforchinatown.
Thank you for reading and all of your support!
Leland & Karlin
Check out the links below to learn more about the Chinatown Block Watch:
PBS Interview
Organizer
