Eduardo Rodriguez Vivar discovered running in 2018. Now it has earned him recognition at the State House.

Rodriguez Vivar, who helped found the Chelsea Running Club and co-directs the Chelsea Road Race, has received the Latino Excellence Award for the 11th Suffolk District. State Rep. Judith García (D-Chelsea) announced the honor, according to the Chelsea Record.

"When I started running, I never imagined it would lead me here," he said.

About the award

The Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus hosts the award each year to honor Latino leaders, trailblazers and changemakers. García nominated Rodriguez Vivar, who thanked her "for nominating me."

A 2025 WestfordCAT post about another honoree describes what appears to be the same annual program, the caucus's Latino Excellence on the Hill Awards. It says the awards celebrate "the contributions and leadership of Latino individuals who are making a meaningful impact across the Commonwealth."

"Massachusetts is a state that loves to run, and Eduardo has brought that spirit home to Chelsea," García said. She praised him for bringing the city together. She said she welcomed Rodriguez Vivar, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Director Bea Cravatta and Chelsea runners to the State House to recognize him.

From Puebla to Chelsea

Rodriguez Vivar was born in Puebla, Mexico. He moved to the United States in 2010 and later made Chelsea his home.

The Chelsea Running Club

In 2022, he helped start the Chelsea Running Club with the City of Chelsea's Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department. The Record described it as "a free and welcoming space" for people of all backgrounds and abilities.

The Chelsea Road Race

Rodriguez Vivar is also co-founder and co-director of the Chelsea Road Race, which grew in each of its first three years, according to the Record:

2024: About 400 runners and walkers took part in the first race, held as part of Chelsea's 400th anniversary celebration.

2025: About 500 people took part, in celebration of Chelsea Day.

2026: About 750 took part under the theme "United in Ability." The race hit its 750-participant cap and sold out.

A race-listing page describes the Sept. 5, 2026 race as the Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department's third annual road race. It was also the first with a wheelchair division for women and men.

A Discover Chelsea listing for the 2025 race described a route through streets reflecting the city's diverse history, past landmarks that tell the story of Chelsea's past and future. It said the race suits both experienced runners and people looking for a fun way to get active.

That year's race, on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, kicked off Chelsea Day. Festivities began at 3 p.m. with live music, entertainment and fireworks. The listing said the program is supported in part by a grant from the Chelsea Cultural Council.

What to watch

The Record's report didn't give a ceremony date or name other honorees. It also didn't say how to join the running club or when the next road race will be held.