Runners train in Prospect Park despite NYC’s urge to limit outdoor activity
New Yorkers are being urged to limit outdoor activity amid "unhealthy" air quality levels. But many Brooklynites are still going out for runs in Prospect Park.
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Runners were hitting the pavement in full force at Prospect Park on Thursday.
"I'm almost done with my 5k. I do the whole park and then I'll jump rope," Flatbush resident Carolann Penny said.
Meanwhile, the city is urging New Yorkers to stay indoors. Smoke from wildfires in Canada is clouding the sky and high temperatures forced the city to extend its "Heat Emergency Plan."
However, nothing stopped runners from getting their steps in. They say the air quality did not affect them.
"I didn't feel anything with the air quality honestly," Flatbush resident Djimon Martineau said.
Runners told News 12 why they were out at Prospect Park.
"Daily workout keeps the mind balanced, keeps the body fit and gives you good health overall," Crown Heights resident Maurice Hayles said.
"It's dedication and motivation as well. It's all about doing what you need to do," Lasana Harrison said.
"It's part of my life, running and exercising is part of my life and it's good for health," Penny said.
Many walkers and bikers were also exercising in the park.
"It's tough to kind of push yourself to wake up in the morning and go for a bike ride obviously seeing the air quality, the temperatures, and the pollen," Flatbush resident Jared Jackson said, "but if you're able to push yourself mentally and get through that, then it helps with the consistency and that kind of helps with other aspects of your life."
The city is asking all New Yorkers to take precautions to prevent sickness.
