We, the members of the global running community, are writing this letter on behalf of Michael Capiraso, the former CEO of New York Road Runners Club. Michael was unjustly fired by the NYRR board in the fall of 2020 amid unsubstantiated, anonymous accusations about NYRR and the leadership team. These accusations included claims of racism and financial mismanagement leveled at the organization. Michael offered to transition and resign not as an indication of guilt, but to help NYRR during a difficult time. The board assured him that his position was secure. Shortly thereafter, Michael was fired.
Even after an internal investigation finally absolved Michael of any wrongdoing, the NYRR board has made no effort to date to restore his name and reputation. Matthew Futterman at The New York Times chronicled this attack on Michael’s credibility, eventually publishing an article clearing the charges against him. As noted in the October 31, 2024 article, Michael was “thanked for his service and left to defend himself on his own. . . . [O]ne of the people briefed on the investigation said its finding about Capiraso had not matched the public accusations. ‘No smoking gun,’ the official said.”
Michael was a familiar and welcoming face at races; he lived for Road Runners and the running community, expanding New York’s cachet in the world of professional running and boosting the club’s financial health. To be punished and ostracized for something he didn’t do was shocking to us and devastating to Michael. As a result of this scapegoating, he has not been able to find employment over the past five years due to the circumstances of his dismissal. He has suffered extreme mental distress and PTSD.
We understand the organization’s desire to move forward after the disasters of 2020, but we are confused and disappointed by this lack of communication, transparency, and inaction by the organization. We are glad that NYRR can move forward. Unfortunately, Michael cannot until his name has been cleared by the board.
May is Mental Health Month. NYRR has recognized this and sponsored the Wellness 5K the first weekend of the month. Given that NYRR prides itself on outreach and support for all members of the community, perhaps it would be fitting for the organization to finally make amends to a man who has dedicated a decade of his life working to make NYRR the thriving organization it is today and who has had to endure severe mental suffering and anguish stemming from the board’s decisions.
NYRR is an organization that has brought us so much joy and human connection and we want to continue to support its mission. We are deeply saddened that a community that we love so much would treat an individual with such disrespect. We encourage NYRR to post an apology to Michael on its website and social media platforms as a show of good faith and compassion.