Marathon Runner Spotlight: Ari
Our final Marathon Runner Spotlight is Ari, a student at Brown University who is originally from New York City. She’ll be following in her mother’s footsteps by running the Marathon in her 20s, and is so excited to support PAWS NY with her fundraising.
“I have a 12-year-old rescue dog, Cleo, who I have had since she was six months old. She is my best friend, no question,” Ari said. “Pets are the best companion in the entire world, and if there’s anything I can do to protect that relationship, I want to help!”
Read Ari’s full Q&A below to learn about her favorite places to run in NYC and Providence, what she’s studying at Brown, and her favorite post-run treat!
Why did you decide to run the Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?
Running the NYC Marathon has always been on my bucket list, despite never having been a runner. My mom ran it when she was in her 20s, and I figured if she could do it, so could I! When the pandemic hit, I found myself running regularly for the first time ever. Signing up for the marathon felt like the natural (if not very optimistic!) next step!
What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?
The mission of PAWS NY is one that really resonates with me. Pets are the best companion in the entire world, and if there’s anything I can do to protect that relationship, I want to help!
Do you have any pets of your own?
I have a 12-year-old rescue dog, Cleo, who I have had since she was six months old. She is my best friend, no question. I wish she could run with me, but she’s an old lady now, and has always been a couch potato.
How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?
I started running during the pandemic. When I am in NYC, I love to run along the Hudson River. At school in Providence, I try to run along the East Bay Bike path.
What do you do in your free time (besides run)?
These days I mostly go to class or do my homework. In my free time, I love to watch true crime shows, and Google rescue dogs and try to convince my friends/family to adopt them.
Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?
- I am double majoring in Political Science and Literary Arts at Brown University.
- My favorite ice cream flavor is Mint Chip.
- Fantasizing about drinking an iced oat milk latte is what gets me through my long runs!
What are your goals for the Marathon?
Honestly, I just want to cross that finish line!!
We’re so excited to cheer you on in a few weeks, Ari! Donate to Ari and the rest of Team PAWS NY or read all our Runner Spotlights here.