BROOKLYN, New York (WABC) — For one runner in this weekend’s RBC Brooklyn Half, the race is about community, representation,and healing.<\/p>\n
Harjinder Singh, a member of the NYC Department of Transportation, runs in a turban to inspire young Sikh and Punjabi athletes and is dedicating this year’s race to his late mother.<\/p>\n
He is channeling the spirit of his loved ones to fuel him during his race.<\/p>\n
“From my local Sikh temple, I get a lot of love and support. And from my family they love to see me running with a turban,” said Singh said.<\/p>\n
Singh admits that any head covering is hot, but it’s important. He likes to represent. He has run 10 full marathons and 11 half marathons.<\/p>\n
He is an engineer who “loves to run” on the same streets he designs. For him, running started as a kind of therapy to remember his grandfather who passed in 2014.<\/p>\n
“My grandfather was a runner in the Army, and I wanted to run in his honor and carry on his memory,” Singh said.<\/p>\n
This year, he’s running to remember his late mother. Singh said he loves a particular picture he says was snapped in a moment but is now part of his forever memories.<\/p>\n
“I lost my mom in February this year,” Singh said. “I run in her honor. I feel spiritual when I run. Your loved ones are with you.”<\/p>\n
A lot of people feel that way, and it’s another reason he tries to connect and encourage young runners.<\/p>\n
Singh also raised $8,000 running for Team 4 Kids.<\/p>\n
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