Runner Spotlight: Emily
Emily has been volunteering with PAWS NY for 10 years, as both a dog walker and foster–and now she’s running the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon on our behalf!
She started running a little more than a year ago and decided to tackle this awesome feat alongside a friend, while supporting PAWS along the way. Read her full Q&A below to learn more about this Manhattanite’s volunteer shifts with PAWS NY and the time she was on The Today Show!
Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?
After years of watching and saying “Man, we should do this,” my friend Melissa and I decided this was our year. She committed last April and got to work on her 9+1 training to qualify, whereas I rolled my eyes and said no way. Then I realized, actually, I think I want to do it too, and if I do run it, I absolutely want to do it with PAWS NY as my charity.
What is your connection to PAWS NY? Why is this cause important to you?
I have volunteered with PAWS NY for nearly 10 years. First, as a weekly walker in my old neighborhood with Jake and Buj, then as a walker near my office and now in the Upper East Side. Most “famously” however (a video of us was literally on The Today Show, so yes, we’re famous) is my time as a foster to the one and only Peanut Smith during the pandemic.
Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!
I do not have any pets, but always grew up with dogs and am more than happy to dog sit for friends!
How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?
I started running a little over a year ago, and am fortunate to live just a couple of Avenues away from Central Park.
What do you do in your free time (besides run)?
I have a busy job in public relations, but find time to watch Bravo, keep up with Formula 1 and explore NYC’s best restaurants.
Share 2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?
- Emily is a family name, and I am actually the fifth.
- I am an only child.
- I can say the alphabet backwards.
What are your goals for this race?
To finish 🙂
We’re excited to cheer you on for the Marathon on November 5 and thank you for your years of support! Click here to donate to Emily’s fundraising page or support the team overall.