More than 1,500 runners made their way to Van Cortlandt Park Sunday for the Fred Lebow 5K.

The New York Road Runners celebrated its late CEO Fred Lebow with the race in Riverdale.

Coaches say running helps children become well-balanced.

"We want to create opportunities that they are able to live healthy and active lifestyles, and those qualities that they get from being on a team spill into the classroom," one coach said.

Runners say completing the 5K made them feel proud and strong.