Team Inspire at the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon
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Courtney Knights Bio: A few weeks after running the TCS New York City Marathon with Susan G. Komen in memory of her grandmother who passed away from breast cancer, Courtney will start surgery to reduce her risk of breast and ovarian cancers. She inherited the BRCA2 gene and running has immensely helped her mental health. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I am excited to run the marathon to honor my grandmother who passed away from breast cancer shortly after her 38th birthday. I just turned thirty-seven so it is incredibly meaningful to me to take on this challenge in what was the last year of her life." |
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Danil Farkash Bio: At 88 years old, Danil is one of the oldest participants in the TCS New York City Marathon. Born in Ukraine, he came to the United States in 1979, but did not start running until he was in his 70s. Since 2009 Danil has run every TCS New York City Marathon. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I'm honored to be a part of the excitement and energy that is the NYC Marathon, and run alongside so many runners that are young enough to be my grandchildren!" |
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Ido Simyoni Bio: Born with a rare disorder that causes benign tumors to grow in his body, Ido discovered one in his forehead in 2023. While recovering from surgery, he recorded a video from the hospital promising to run the TCS New York City Marathon. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "After the health challenges I faced last year, my goal is to complete all six marathon majors in one year, and earning my second six-star medal in my dream city will be incredibly special. I hope to inspire the running community here and around the world by doing it." |
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Janie Deegan Bio: Janie is a native New Yorker and entrepreneur who started Janie’s Life-Changing Baked Goods in 2015 after spending years struggling with addiction and homelessness in her early 20s. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "As a born and raised New Yorker, I think it’s the most magical and beautiful day of the year in New York City, and I am so so excited that I get to experience it this year as part of Team Inspire!" |
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Jasmine Murrell and Kevin Orcel Bio: Jasmine and Kevin both have glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that progressively cause vision loss. They met at a goalball tournament, and quickly bonded over their disabilities and love of adaptive sports. This will be the couple’s first TCS New York City Marathon and they train with Achilles International. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "This will be my second marathon ever! I grew up hearing about and watching the New York City Marathon; if you would have asked me if I would ever run it myself, my answer would have been no because I did not know before 2015 this was even possible. I got connected with organizations and running communities like Achilles, who made my running dreams a reality." - Jasmine "Since this is my very first full marathon, I am excited about finishing! The thing that I can't wait for is to be at the starting line, around that type of environment, with a community of individuals who are like-minded and have a passion for running. It is a memory that I will cherish for the rest of my life and the best part is I get to share that experience with my wife, even though she'll be done way before I am." - Kevin |
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Joel Kaufman Bio: The 2023 TCS New York City Marathon Official Final Finisher has raised over $150,000 for Team in Training in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "[I'm] excited about not being the last official finisher but showing folks that you can WALK the TCSNYCM." |
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Johnny Pye Bio: When he was 32, Johnny suffered a stroke, resulting in the loss of his vocabulary and long-term memory. He gained over 100 pounds, but one day started walking, and eventually running. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I’m very excited to RUN the NYC Marathon as it’s my opportunity to show the world what a stroke survivor can do who dedicates their everything to recover and transform into something even greater than they ever were. I’m running the 26.2 miles to give hope to the hopeless, as I was. I’ll be running with every stroke survivor, every caretaker, and God willing, I’ll pass through the finish line for them." |
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Julio Perez Arrieta Bio: The first custodian to be part of TCS Teachers, a group of 50 teachers running the TCS New York City Marathon, Julio credits running with giving him peace. He is inspired by his parents, both teachers, and his late sister, who also taught at Julio’s school. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I am most excited about getting to participate in the greatest marathon in the world, and being able to represent the teachers. Participating in the marathon would demonstrate to our students that you can accomplish anything when you put your mind to it. It is my hope to achieve my personal record on this run. This is for all the teachers out there." |
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Kia Copeland Bio: In 2011, Kia found running through NYRR Run for the Future. It changed her life, giving her the confidence to pursue running collegiately. Now a NYPD officer, Kia continues to run with the NYPD Run Club and is preparing for her first marathon. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I’m mostly excited to finally be able to be a part of the NYC marathon. I never thought I would be able to participate. I’m excited I finally qualify for it, and look forward to accomplishing a lifelong goal, now that I have been training." |
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LaDawn Jefferson Bio: While battling stage 4 breast cancer, LaDawn discovered Red Door Community so her sons could connect with other kids of sick parents. Now in remission, she will run on behalf of Red Door Community. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I'm most excited about crossing the finish line. I'm going to let out the loudest cry of joy and triumph for completing the best marathon in the world. The finish line is where I would leave all of my self doubts, fears and insecurities of thinking I couldn't achieve the goal of completing the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon." |
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Larry Lewis Bio: An Achilles International athlete, a leading adaptive running nonprofit, and TCS New York City Marathon Streaker who was planning to run his 34th race in 2018 but suffered a stroke a couple days before. Having to relearn how to walk, Larry will return to the TCS New York City Marathon as a duo team with an Achilles International guide pushing him in a racing chair. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I'm most excited to return to the marathon as a recovering stroke victim and completing my 34th marathon." |
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Luke Carron Bio: After the death of his newborn in 2022, Luke experienced debilitating depression and addiction. Running with Front Runners New York was critical to his recovery, and in the process, he lost 100 pounds. Luke and his husband recently welcomed a baby girl, and he is running to honor his family’s healing journey. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "Soaking in the support of each and every one of the millions of people along the course as I make my way to the finish line, accomplishing something that felt impossible not too long ago. And giving my husband and kids a big, sweaty hug when I get there because they’ve been my biggest source of motivation throughout the journey!" |
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Mitch Strong Bio: After a 36-year hiatus, 76-year-old NYRR Striders coach and Air Force veteran Mitch will return to the TCS New York City Marathon for the ninth time. Motivated by his love of running, which he credits for keeping him alive during his prostate cancer battle, Mitch has coached for over 25 years. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I am overjoyed with excitement for this marathon, my last marathon, my last New York City Marathon was in 1988, I will be breaking a 35 year streak of not doing a marathon. I’m looking forward to seeing all the wonderful people along the way, many of my friends will be on the course as spectators or volunteers, I will stop and acknowledge all of them. Some of my Striders groups will be volunteering at various stations and the finish line, I can’t wait to see them." |
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Nathan Kahaialii Bio: Nate is a teacher whose community experienced devastation in August 2023 when fires spread on the eve of the first day of school. While evacuating Lahaina, Nate grabbed a pair of running sneakers, which became the only possession to survive the fires. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "What I am most excited about the TCS NYC Marathon is the excitement and energy from the crowds! The TCS NYC Marathon really has an energy that is brought to the race like no other! I’m looking forward to that energy as I represent my hometown of Lahaina." |
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Patty Ortega Bio: Patty is an immigrant from Ecuador who is running the TCS New York City Marathon to inspire her son and other kids with special needs. Three years ago, she introduced Rising New York Road Runners to her son’s Scout Pack, and feels running is the one place where the children don’t have to think about their disability. Before she tackles 26.2 miles the Scout Pack will participate in the Rising NYRR Kids Kickoff youth event. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I’m the most excited to run the NYC marathon and fulfill a lifelong dream of racing through the best city in the world! My goal is to inspire those caring for loved ones with special needs to prioritize their own well-being, so they can give the best care possible." |
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Ram Hayon Bio: Ram and two of his run club teammates were running in the Erez Crossing near Gaza on October 7, 2023, when they were hit with rockets. As the lone survivor of the run, Ram will run to honor the friends he lost. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I run with purpose, for each step I take is a tribute to the lives I refuse to let be silenced and for that cause, NY is the loudest stage." |
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Rashida Santos Bio: An NYRR Team for Kids runner, Rashida in 2016 unexpectedly took custody of her sister’s three young children. Later diagnosed with diabetes, she and her family started running together to build healthy habits. She feels a responsibility as a woman of color to be the thing she wanted to see—everyday runners who look like her. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "The city is one of a kind and to be able to experience that culture and energy during marathon weekend is just a dream. I look forward to soaking it all in - the international community at the expo, the frantic excitement of getting to the start line, the cheers of the crowd, the tour of all of the boroughs, the awesome Central Park finish line with my family there to greet me. I am certain it will be an experience I won’t soon forget." |
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Rodrigo, James, and Justin Villavicencio Bio: These three generations of athletes and NYRR members will run side-by-side to celebrate patriarch Rodrigo’s 20th TCS New York City Marathon. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "Estoy muy emocionado que a pesar de cumplir mis 20 años como maratonista de Nueva York, este año lo completaré junto a mi hijo y mi nieto!" (Translation) "I am very excited to participate in my 20th NYC TCS Marathon, but even more excited about completing it alongside my son and grandson!" - Rodrigo "I am most excited about running the NYC TCS Marathon with my dad and son because it’s a unique opportunity to bond across generations, share in the excitement of the race, and create lasting memories together. Supporting each other throughout the marathon and celebrating our personal achievements while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of New York City will make crossing the finish line together a moment to cherish forever." - James "With this being my first NYC TCS Marathon, I'm looking forward to the energy and support of not only my dad and Papa running alongside me but of all New York City cheering me on as I complete such a memorable milestone!" - Justin |
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Shaquille Roberts Bio: An immigrant from St. Kitts who survived a house fire as a child that left 40 percent of his body burned, Shaquille later moved to the Bronx and felt disconnected from the running community. He co-founded the Bronx Burners, a run club that makes running more accessible and has raised more than $60,000 in youth scholarship funds, in addition to distributing New Balance shoes to kids in the Bronx. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I’m most excited to be out there running through the streets of The Bronx, representing our community with pride, and creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and supported." |
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Sovena Ngeth Bio: Sovena is a second-generation Cambodian American running her first marathon with Apex for Youth, a charity empowering underserved Asian and immigrant youth. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I've always played it safe, afraid to step outside of my comfort zone. But now? I'm excited to push my limits and show my family that we can, should, and need to live life to the fullest — we no longer have to fight just to survive." |
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Tim Norton Bio: A Staten Islander for nearly 20 years, Tim lives across from the TCS New York City Marathon start and works as an FDNY firefighter in the borough. In 2007, he made a $100 bet with a friend that he could run the marathon with little to no training. Years later, Tim is preparing to run his seventh TCS New York City Marathon with the FDNY Run Club. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "The thing I’m most excited for besides how fun the race is in general, is that nervous energy you get in the morning. Even though this is my 7th NYC marathon I’ll still be up early and pacing around the house until I get to the start. Then just watching all the excitement in the start village is awesome." |
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Trevon Bosley Bio: An activist and board co-chair of charity partner March for Our Lives, Trevon has dedicated his life to gun violence reform, following the deaths of his cousin and brother. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I'm most excited about having the opportunity to be able to experience the beauty of the different boroughs of New York even if for only a couple of minutes." |
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Zahra Biabani Bio: Entrepreneur, climate activist, and author, Zahra is running her first marathon with NYRR Team for Climate to raise funds and awareness for sustainability. What are you most excited about for the TCS New York City Marathon? "I’m most excited about crossing the finish line with my fiancée, representing the first ever Team for Climate, and soaking in all the energy the city exudes on Marathon day!!" |