Marathon Runner Spotlight: Emily

We’ve got another Marathon Runner Spotlight for you! Emily is a PAWS NY volunteer and supporter who helped us ring the Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange to celebrate our 10th Anniversary in 2019. She ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon in 2016 and has been itching to complete a marathon ever since.

“I never had a dog growing up, and I love the opportunity PAWS NY offers to build a connection with a dog and their owner as well,” she says. “My boyfriend joined PAWS before I did and I accompanied him on many of his walks, where I fell in love with his PAWS dog. I knew this was the perfect volunteering opportunity for me.”

We wish Emily luck as she continues to fundraise for PAWS and train for a future NYC Marathon! Read her full Q&A below!

Why did you decide to run the Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon in spring of 2016, but have always wanted to run a marathon. I love PAWS NY and this is the perfect opportunity to run a marathon for a cause I am invested in. 

What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?

I have always loved animals and wanted a dog growing up. I never had one and love the opportunity PAWS offers to build a connection with a dog and his or her owner as well. In addition, my boyfriend joined PAWS before I did and I accompanied him on many of his walks and fell in love with his PAWS dog. I knew this was the perfect volunteering opportunity for me.

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets?

I never had any pets growing up but look forward to adopting a dog one day!

How long have you been running? What is your favorite place to run in NYC?

I have been running for as long as I can remember, and I especially love running in Central Park.

What do you do in your free time (besides run)?

I love to cook and bake, read, spend time with loved ones, and attend workout classes.

Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

I was born and raised in New York and have always felt a special connection to NYC. Additionally, I have skied in three different countries and am always looking to check more countries off of my bucket list. Lastly, I rang the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange with PAWS in November 2019!

Click here to donate to Emily and all the PAWS NY Marathoners.