Rising NYRR Dad Simon Obas: “This Program Is What the City Needs”

When Simon Obas cheered on a friend running the TCS New York City Marathon in 2016, he didn’t realize that moment would spark his love of running. “It was magical,” he said about being a spectator along the course. The following year he would embark on his own running journey.

Since 2017, Simon has completed multiple marathons and earned his coveted Abbott World Marathon Majors six-star medal. He’s now setting his sights on the Sydney Marathon. The father of two is passing down his passion for the sport to his 5-year-old son Grayson and his 2-year-old daughter Lenore. Both participated in the Boogie Down Kids Run at the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile on September 14.

Grayson sees the youth events that he runs throughout the year as a way to get ready for his own marathon one day, something he was inspired to do after watching his father finish the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. He said participating in this year’s TCS New York City Marathon Kids Kickoff is a special way to be a part of his dad Simon’s own marathon experience.

Being grounded in community is part of Simon’s family’s everyday life. He’s deputy head of schools in Washington Heights, and his wife Raven is an executive director for a school in the Bronx. Both understand the power of bringing diverse communities together—something they see reflected in Rising New York Road Runners, a free running-based youth program designed to make physical activity enjoyable and accessible for kids nationwide.

He said, "This program isn't a nice-to-have, this program is what the city needs." Having discovered running later in life at 33, he's passionate about giving his children what he wishes he had at a young age. To kick off the school year, his kids participated in the Back to School Mile at the New Balance 5th Avenue Mile. "I could only imagine what it would have done for me if my dad could have taken me out to run on Fifth Avenue like I can for my kids." 

For Simon, running represents more than personal challenge—it's about giving his children the opportunities to learn how to be physically active for life while removing barriers that often prevent participation.

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