Derek Barranco NYRR Youth Runner of the Year

The New York Road Runners Club, at its 34th annual Club Night at the Hard Rock Café in Times Square last week, named 13-year old Derek Barranco, a student at I.S. 30 in Bay Ridge, as its male Youth Runner of the Year.

The local running community gathers at NYRR's Club Night every year to recognize outstanding team and individual running performances. Trophies and team awards are given to exceptional males and females in various age categories, with a special award to the male and female Youth Runner of the Year.

Adults win awards primarily for qualifying times and number of races completed, but the Youth Runner of the Year candidates, nominated by their coaches, are selected based on the following:

• In the Young Runners program for at least 2 seasons;
• Consistent dedication to improving running skills;
• Committed to team practice and events, especially distance events;
• Good sportsmanship and teamwork.

When Derek Barranco joined the Young Runners team at I.S. 30 three years ago, he didn't look like a contender.  He was overweight and one of the team's slowest runners. Now 13 and in eighth grade, Derek, whose coach calls him "a lean, mean running machine", is among the top five males on the school's 52-member team.  

He's also a good kid and a good student, which the Young Runners have helped with, he said.  The boy who, for his coach, "embodies perserverence", said he always wants running to be a part of his life. 

NYRR media contact: Laura Paulus: 646-241-3527/lpaulus@nyrr.org/www.nyrrf.org

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