RBC Brooklyn Half runner channeling the spirit of his loved ones during his races
BROOKLYN, New York (WABC) -- For one runner in this weekend's RBC Brooklyn Half, the race is about community, representation,and healing.
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.
He is channeling the spirit of his loved ones to fuel him during his race.
"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.
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.
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.
"My grandfather was a runner in the Army, and I wanted to run in his honor and carry on his memory," Singh said.
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.
"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."
A lot of people feel that way, and it's another reason he tries to connect and encourage young runners.
Singh also raised $8,000 running for Team 4 Kids.
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