From Helping Runners at Mile 20 to Running His Own Race

With Biofreeze, snacks, and heartfelt words of encouragement in hand, Eloy was the kind soul who would kneel down to soothe aching muscles and uplift spirits when runners faced their toughest moments at the NYC Marathon. But this year, he wasn’t cheering from the sidelines. He joined the race, a decision filled with years of dreams and profound significance.

NYPD Officer Eloy Alejandro Suarez has been a beloved fixture at mile 20 of the New York City Marathon since 2015, but always on the sidelines.

A friend’s simple encouragement changed his path: “I’m tired of you being on the sideline. You should be out here in the dance with us.” Those words sparked a shift, and soon after, he entered the marathon lottery—and got in. 

That’s how he fulfilled a calling that feels bigger than the race itself. “Pain with a purpose,” he says, a mantra that captures the heart of his journey.

For Eloy, this race was for “the culture,” for “the boogie down Bronx,” for the NYPD, and for mental health. But it was also for his mother, who passed away from COVID-19 in 2020.

He recalled, “Whenever I would go do something hard, my mother would tell me, ‘Go do something stupid. Go run some miles. And when you come back, I’ll have dinner ready.’”

Those words have stayed with him as he tackled 26.2 miles for the first time. This marathon, in all its painful, exhilarating reality, was his way of honoring her memory and healing from the mental and emotional scars that come with years of service in law enforcement.

He’s affiliated within non for profit organization called TEAM RWB, which helps veterans return from combat/deployment experiencing PTSD helping them cope with physical and social interaction, engaging with them and races like marathons, Ironman and Spartan races.

Eloy knows firsthand the toll the job can take. He’s seen trauma, dealt with PTSD, and, like many officers, understands that taking off the uniform doesn’t mean you can simply leave it behind.

In 2017, one of his hardest impacts was the loss of his friend NYPD detective Miosoti Familia was killed in the line of duty. It was at that point he always ran with The thin Blue line flag. Another pivot after the loss of his mom, he never returned to uptown Manhattan. When Dyckman Run Club lost one of its original members, Officer Jason Rivera killed in the line of duty. He was immediately drawn to help. With the support that community, they help him cope with the loss of his mom & train up to run to New York City marathon.

Now, he’s hoping that the runners he once helped at mile 20 will be there to return the favor—although he’s still left his station in capable hands.

This year, NYPD Sergeant Aaron Loman and a team of 10 to 15 others where stationed at mile 20, keeping the tradition alive with Biofreeze, oranges, and watermelon, cheering on every runner with the same love Eloy once gave.

For Eloy, this race wasn’t just about making it to the end; was about the power of community, healing, and a legacy of paying it forward.

If you have your own inspiring running journey to share, post it on Instagram or TikTok with #CarlethsRunnerStories and tag me @carlethkeys