Eddie Collazo, pictured here running the 2024 RBC Brooklyn Half, will run the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half on March 15. Photo by MarathonFoto.
Eddie Collazo is running the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half to honor his late father, who passed away last March after suffering multiple strokes. The loss was a blow for Eddie, who is a father himself to a son, Isaiah.
“It’s been an uphill battle to say the least,” said Eddie, 36. “Losing a father while being a father isn’t something anyone could prepare for.”
On March 15 Eddie will run the United Airlines NYC Half, and Isaiah will run the Times Square Kids Run, a free youth race held alongside the adult course.
A Special Race
A Brooklyn native, Eddie has run the United Airlines NYC Half multiple times, including a sub-two-hour finish in 2022. “The United Airlines NYC Half is amazing. I was so excited the first time subbing 2 hours!” he said.
“Being able to run from Brooklyn to Central Park, through Times Square where what feels like an endless crowd of spectators and run crews cheer you on, is truly a sight to see,” he added. “It brings on so much gratitude just being a part of something so loving.”
A Father-Son Bond
Eddie is proud of Isaiah, who’s also a Rising NYRR Youth Ambassador, having completed six-week training workshop designed to help participants improve their presentation and communication skills. “Isaiah has learned so much from the team at NYRR. His confidence level with public speaking rose tremendously,” said Eddie. “I’m fortunate to have a child whose interest just so happens to be running. He moves me, he takes pride in seeing me run half and full marathons.”
Eddie had hoped to one day run a marathon with his father—a dream that was never realized. He runs now to show Isaiah how to keep pushing through loss and difficult times.
Fathers and sons are central to his “why,” a reminder that dads need love too and that running can be a powerful bond. He looks forward to running through Times Square, especially knowing his son will be running there as well.
“With running and being a runner-dad, I take pride in continuing to make my father proud even if he’s not in the present,” he said.
Running to Heal
After training for a marathon last year and stepping away due to his grief and an injury, Eddie feels mentally present and focused for the United Airlines NYC Half, the first long-distance race of his season.
Eddie is a team captain and coach for Never Quit Running Crew. “I’m happy to be a local runner,” he said. “I enjoy helping my team members embrace changes and conquer whatever it is that life is throwing at them at that moment. Running can be healing—the pavement heals the heart.”
You May Also Like…
Sights Along the 2026 United Airlines NYC Half Course
Donna Nerges: Taking Running in Stride at Age 70
Safiatu Diagana: “In Life You Have to Try Something New”