Runner Spotlight: Brenna
Brenna will be traveling from Orlando, Florida, to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY this November. It will be her fifth Marathon, but her first time in NYC–following in her father’s footsteps who ran the same race 29 years ago.
“I am a huge animal lover and have a strong love for anything related to animal rescues and causes,” Brenna said, whose dog Captain Jack is a therapy dog in her community. “The health benefits you receive from animals are unmatched and I fully believe in PAWS NY’s mission and cause. Giving back to your community and keeping owners with their pets during hard times is so important.”
Read the full Q&A from Brenna below to learn more about all of her pets, not just Captain Jack, and the outdoor activities that she and her husband enjoy when they’re not running their bicycle shop.
Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?
This will be my 5th marathon and I’ve been wanting to run this particular race for years. My dad ran the NYC Marathon 29 years ago! Like father, like daughter!
What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?
I am a huge animal lover and have a strong love for anything related to animal rescues and causes. My dog Captain Jack is a therapy dog as well, so once I saw PAWS NY as a Charity Partner for the TCS New York City Marathon, I knew it was the perfect fit.
The health benefits you receive from animals are unmatched and I fully believe in PAWS NY’s mission and cause. With Captain Jack, I see the happiness we bring to the hospital and assisted living communities; it really brightens their day. Giving back to your community and keeping owners with their pets during hard times is so important.
Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!
Yes! Currently I have four dogs and a cat: Captain Jack, Parker, Kona, Kaia, and Leo. Previously, I also had three other dogs and three cats in my lifetime. I can’t live without animals!! They are my world.
How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?
I’ve been running since 2010 and the 2023 TCS NYC Marathon will be my 5th marathon. I’ve also ran two Ultra Marathons, two Half Ironmans, and multiple Half Marathons/10Ks/5Ks. Trail running is my favorite place to be; I just completed the Zion 50K this year!
What do you do in your free time (besides run)?
My husband and I own a bicycle shop, and we enjoy mountain and road biking. I also have a full-time job in sales for trade shows and conferences. Event planning is so much fun and I’ve been in that industry for a decade now. I’m also a huge foodie and coffee lover. As my husband and I travel the world, we look for new restaurants and coffee shops to try along the way!
Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?
I’m a dog mom, and with one dog, we are a therapy team that visits hospitals, nursing homes, schools, and more. I am an espresso and sushi addict, and love finding new places to try around the world. I’ve visited about 10 countries and counting!
What are your goals for this race? How can PAWS support you?
I want to have fun and enjoy this race, no time goals here. Enjoy the city, meet new people, and raise money for a wonderful cause!
Wow Brenna! You have quite the long-distance running resume. We know you’re going to crush the 2023 TCS NYC Marathon and can’t wait to cheer you on! Click here to donate to Brenna’s fundraising page or support the team overall.