Representative Judith García (D-Chelsea) is proud to announce that Eduardo Rodriguez Vivar has been awarded the Latino Excellence Award for the 11th Suffolk District. The award, hosted annually by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus, honors Latino leaders, trailblazers, and changemakers who continue to make a difference in their communities.
Born in Puebla, Mexico, Eduardo moved to the United States in 2010 and later made Chelsea his home. After discovering running in 2018 and experiencing its transformative impact firsthand, he made it his mission to use the sport to serve others. In 2022, he helped establish the Chelsea Running Club in partnership with the City of Chelsea’s Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department, creating a free and welcoming space where people of all backgrounds and abilities can run, walk, and connect.
Eduardo is also Co-Founder and Co-Director of the Chelsea Road Race. The inaugural race in 2024 welcomed approximately 400 runners and walkers as part of Chelsea’s 400th anniversary celebration. In 2025, the race grew to approximately 500 participants in celebration of Chelsea Day. This year, under the theme “United in Ability,” the race expanded its commitment to inclusion and reached its 750-participant capacity, officially selling out.
“Massachusetts is a state that loves to run, and Eduardo has brought that spirit home to Chelsea,” said Representative García. “Through his love of running, he has brought an entire city together, made Chelsea a destination for runners, and encouraged neighbors to simply get outside, walk, run, and be part of something. I was proud to welcome Eduardo, Chelsea’s Recreation & Cultural Affairs Director Bea Cravatta, and fellow Chelsea runners to the State House to recognize the tremendous impact he has made on our city.”
Eduardo shared his reflections on receiving the award: “When I started running, I never imagined it would lead me here. I was simply trying to change my own life. Somewhere along the way, running became something bigger: a way to serve, create community, and help others feel that they belong. Today reminded me of the responsibility that comes with this recognition: to keep serving. To keep opening doors. To keep bringing people together. Thank you, Representative García, for nominating me and believing in the work we are doing in Chelsea.”
For Eduardo, the growth of the race is about more than numbers. It reflects people coming together through movement, health, culture, and belonging. His hope is to establish the Chelsea Road Race as a lasting community tradition and to continue using running as a vehicle for hope, health, and wellness in Chelsea.
