From First Steps to Finish Lines: Kaitlyn’s Story
She had never run before. Today, she's breaking personal records, earning scholarships, and discovering just how far her determination can take her.
Some stories are years in the making. Kaitlyn’s is one of them.
This past weekend, Kaitlyn celebrated another milestone in her running journey, setting a new personal record and placing at the HOKA Manhattan XC Invitational.
For any young athlete, that's an accomplishment worth celebrating. But for those of us at Bronx Burners who have had the privilege of watching Kaitlyn grow, this moment represents something much bigger.
Because when we first met Kaitlyn, she had never run before.
Where It All Began
Kaitlyn's introduction to running began through our partnership with WHEDco, where she participated in an afterschool program led by Bronx Burners Programs Director Jamie Yellen.
Jamie saw an opportunity to introduce Kaitlyn to something new and brought her to her very first Bronx Burners practice.
Neither of them could have known just how much that introduction would shape the years ahead.
What began as a first experience on the track quickly grew into a passion for running, one that Kaitlyn would continue to pursue with increasing dedication and determination.
Jamie still remembers those early practices and the resilience she saw in Kaitlyn, even when running felt difficult.
"She has so much grit and such determination. She's super goal oriented and loves to push herself."
Jamie Yellen, Bronx Burners Programs Director
Growing With the Burners
Kaitlyn's first experiences with Bronx Burners were only the beginning.
After discovering running, she attended summer run camp through Bronx Burners, an experience that helped inspire what would eventually become our Fuel the Future series.
Since then, Kaitlyn has returned to our summer camps multiple times, continuing to develop her skills, build confidence, and deepen her connection to the sport.
As she grew, so did her involvement with Bronx Burners.
Today, Kaitlyn is part of our 2026 The Next Lap cohort, a long-term college preparation and mentorship program that provides individualized academic support, college advising, and guidance to help young athletes prepare for their futures beyond the track.
Her impact reaches well beyond her own races, too. Kaitlyn was named a New York Road Runners Youth Ambassador, sharing her passion for running, uplifting the Bronx community, and showing others what's possible when you run together. Her love for the sport has even spread to her own family, inspiring her mom and sister to lace up and join the movement.
From her first practice to summer programming and now college preparation, Kaitlyn's journey reflects something central to our mission: creating opportunities for young people to discover their potential and continuing to support them as they grow.
Finding Her Stride
Along the way, Kaitlyn discovered a particular love for the 800 meters, an event that demands speed, endurance, discipline, and mental toughness.
Over the past two years, she has embraced the challenges of the distance, dedicating herself to becoming a stronger and more confident competitor.
And the results have followed.
In May 2026, Kaitlyn placed first in her age group and third overall in the 5K at Run the Bronx, an exciting milestone in her competitive journey.
Her commitment to improvement also earned her a Prehab High School Scholarship, recognizing her dedication, perseverance, and potential as a young athlete.
In a feature published by Prehab, Kaitlyn shared the mindset she brings to the final stretch of her races:
"During the last 200 meters of the 800, I always tell myself to really push it and sprint to the finish. Even if I don't set a personal best, I know I gave it everything I had."
That determination was on display once again at the HOKA Manhattan XC Invitational in October 2026, where Kaitlyn earned another personal record and a placement to celebrate.
Each milestone is a reflection of the work she continues to put in, both when people are watching and when they aren't.
More Than a Finish Line
For Jamie, who has known Kaitlyn since before she took her first steps as a runner, watching that growth has been especially meaningful.
"Being a part of her journey has been a gift for me and an inspiration as well. In many ways I think of her as my kid and I can't wait to see her continue to soar."
Jamie Yellen
And that relationship speaks to something we value deeply at Bronx Burners.
Our programs aren't just about introducing young people to running. They're about building relationships, creating opportunities, and being there as young athletes discover what they're capable of.
Kaitlyn's story is a reminder that growth doesn't happen overnight. It happens through years of showing up, trying something new, finding confidence, facing challenges, and having people in your corner who believe in you.
Her accomplishments belong to her. They are the result of her own hard work, resilience, and willingness to keep pushing forward.
We're simply grateful to have been part of the journey.
From never having run before to standing on the podium, Kaitlyn has come an incredible distance.
And the most exciting part?
There's still so much ahead.
Congratulations, Kaitlyn. We can't wait to see where you go next. ❤️
Help Fuel the Next Generation
Every young person deserves the opportunity to discover something they love and the support to see where it can take them.
Through free youth programming, summer camps, scholarships, mentorship, and college preparation, Bronx Burners is committed to creating those opportunities for young people across the Bronx.
Learn more about Kaitlyn's Prehab High School Scholarship and her training journey in Prehab's scholarship spotlight.
