Annie ran Division I track and cross country for Lehigh University and loves running along the Jersey City waterfront (where she lives), and in Central Park or Liberty State Park. Read more about Annie in her Q&A below!

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

I ran the NYC Marathon twice (last year also with PAWS) and am excited to run again. I want to try to run a personal best. 

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

I have been volunteering with PAWS for five years now. I have been walking a golden retriever named Valla for over four years now and absolutely love it. 

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

I grew up with cats and dogs and currently have one cat myself named Lily. 

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I have been running for 14 years. I ran Division I track and cross country for Lehigh University. My favorite places to run include the Jersey City waterfront, Central Park, and Liberty State Park. Most recently I ran while traveling in Scotland, which is probably the most beautiful place I have ever run.

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

Outside of running and working, I enjoy spending time with friends & family, walking Valla, playing piano, going to Yankee games, and watching Bravo. 

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

I’m fluent in Spanish. My birthday is on a holiday. I feature a 10-second “dog walking Tuesday” video every week on my story of my walks with Valla. 

Annie, thank you so much for your ongoing support of PAWS NY! We’re so happy to have you on Team PAWS NY for year #2!

Click here to donate to Annie’s fundraising page and support the other runners on Team PAWS NY!

The post Runner Spotlight: Annie appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Justin, who lives in New Jersey, ran cross country and track in high school and is excited to finally run a Marathon this year–and we can’t wait to cheer him on! Learn more about Justin in his Q&A below!

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

I have wanted to run the Marathon since high school, when I ran cross country and track and watched the marathon on TV for the first time. I did a half marathon in May 2015 and a 6-hour running event in April 2019, in which my total distance at that event ended up being a marathon.

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

This cause is important to me because someone close to me has had major obstacles with taking care of her pets in the past, so I’m glad PAWS NY exists for those in need. I love animals and I am glad to help with my fundraising.

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

I don’t currently have any pets of my own. I had guinea pigs as a kid and a dog in my teens and early 20s. Now each of my parents has a dog so I get to visit them and walk them.

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I started running in 10th grade, but it has been on and off since the end of high school. I usually like running either in local neighborhoods or trails.

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

Watch the Mets or Buffalo Bills! Or hangout with family members or friends.

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

I have watched many YouTube videos about the NYC Marathon for years and I am pumped to finally do it! Recently, I have been considering adopting a cat but will wait until after the marathon to decide.

We’re so excited for you to finally run the NYC Marathon this year, Justin, and can’t wait to cheer you on this November!

Click here to donate to Justin’s fundraising page and support the other runners on Team PAWS NY!

The post Runner Spotlight: Justin appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Read more about Harrison in his Q&A below, including his favorite places to run and his hobbies, including sailing!

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

As a kid, I watched my father run the NYC marathon every year. It was a large part of my childhood and the relationship with my dad to watch these races. I can’t wait for him to watch me finally run the marathon!

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

Always having pets growing up, I felt how important it was to have the calming presence of a furry friend. I know that they made a huge difference in my life and my family’s life through the good and the bad times.

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

Growing up we always had cats and would take care of dogs. I currently live with a dog named Roque!

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I have been running since high school. I love to run in parks such as Caumsett State Park!

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

In my free time I love to work on my sailboat and play golf.

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

I am an avid sailor and maintain a large garden!

What are your goals for this race? 

My goal is to break 4:15 for the marathon and exceed my fundraising goal!

We’re so excited for you to finally run the NYC Marathon this year, Harrison, and can’t wait to cheer you on this November! Click here to donate to Harrison’s fundraising page and support the other runners on Team PAWS NY!

The post Runner Spotlight: Harrison appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Over the past two years, Gigi has continued to train and fundraise for PAWS NY, plus she has written letters to our clients and helped spread the word in Los Angeles, where she lives and works. Learn more about Gigi in her Q&A below and help us finally cheer her on this November 6!

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

NYC was the first marathon I ever signed up for! If you’re going to dream, dream BIG. 

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

Helping seniors and animals are two of my favorite causes! The thought of a senior losing their companion, their best friend who just happens to be a dog or cat, because they can’t walk them or afford the cost of care breaks my heart. PAWS NY helps keep BFFs together! 

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

I’ve had rescue dogs since I was 5 years old! I’m also a lost animal magnet and rescuing animals in need is almost a second job. I have rescued countless dogs, cats, and birds from fires and other precarious situations. At one point I had eight special needs rescues. Now I “only” have two senior pups and a bird. I’m sure a lost pup is around the corner though.

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I’ve been running on and off all my life, but started taking it seriously in 2019. I’m blessed to live in Southern California where a short drive can have me running in the mountains, the desert, or on the beach.

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

I work in TV news, specializing in breaking news, which keeps me busy even in my off time. 

Any free time is spent caring for special needs pups, fundraising, and collecting supplies for some of my favorite rescues. If I lived in NYC, some of that free time would be spent volunteering with PAWS NY!

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

1. I’ve hiked the jungles of Peru and Ecuador, and swam with sharks, but running a marathon is the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
2. I’m fluent in three languages.
3. I had knee surgery in 2021, but am still committed to finishing the TCS New York City Marathon!

What are your goals for this race? 

My #1 goal is to finish!

Gigi, we simply cannot wait to cheer you on at the TCS NYC Marathon this year! Click here to support Gigi and other members of Team PAWS NY.

The post Runner Spotlight: Gigi appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

This Brooklynite has been an active runner since high school and you can learn more about her via her Q&A below!

Alexa and Pippa

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

Since high school, I have been an active runner. I ran my first half marathon in the Spring of my first year in the city. This year, I decided to get back into long distance running and really challenge myself. 

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

I came across PAWS NY via social media but once I read about their cause and mission I knew I wanted to be involved. Dedicating my Brooklyn Half Marathon run earlier this year to PAWS felt like a great place to start my involvement. The cause is important to me because I grew up with dogs and, later in life, saw the positive effects it had on my grandparents. Knowing that New York City can be a challenging place to live for both the elderly and disabled, I love how PAWS NY ensures people can keep their pets to support their mental and emotional well being. 

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

At the moment I do not have a dog but I am Auntie Alexa to Loki (French Bulldog) & Luca (Cockapoo). Plus I am still obsessed with my parents dogs, Winston and Pippa, who are Australian Labradoodles.

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I have been running since High School; I participated in both Track and Cross Country. Then throughout college and my first few years living in NY, it has been one of my favorite ways to stay active. My favorite places to run are Chelsea and Brooklyn Piers.

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

During my free time I love to volunteer, spend time with my family, and try new restaurants (if you consider eating good food a hobby). 

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

1. I come from a big Italian family.
2. Born & raised in Williamsport, PA.
3. I’m the middle child. 

Thanks so much for your support, Alexa! We’re so excited to cheer you on during another race! Click here to support Alexa and other members of Team PAWS NY.

The post Runner Spotlight: Alexa appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Long-time runner Michael recently lost his first pup due to cancer and is fundraising for PAWS NY in honor of him! Having completed nine full marathons–five of which were the major ones–Michael will also be competing in the Tokyo Marathon next year! 

Learn more about Michael in his Q&A below! 

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

This will be my 9th full marathon. I ran NYC in 2017 and loved it!

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

I recently secured a spot in the NYC Marathon and wanted to run for a cause that was dear to my heart. I recently lost my first pup/best friend due to cancer and want to run in his honor.

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

I currently have two pups: a 7-year-old Husky and a 1-year-old Husky/Collie mix.

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I started to run long distances in 2016 and love running anywhere along a river to be honest: Thames, Hudson River, Charles River in Boston.

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

Perfect my pizza recipe.

Share2-3 fun facts about yourself! What should we know?

I’ve run 5 of the 6 major marathons and will run Tokyo in March of 2023. And I play a couple musical instruments! 

Thanks so much for your support, Michael! We can’t wait to celebrate this accomplishment with you in November! Click here to support Michael and other members of Team PAWS NY.

The post Runner Spotlight: Michael appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

After completing the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon, Jacob fell in love with running and is excited to run the NYC Marathon again this year, in support of PAWS NY. He understands the importance of being able to help an organization by doing something he loves and in 2015, Jacob raised more than $2,000 Trans Lifeline. We’re thrilled that he is running on behalf of PAWS NY this year!

Learn more about Jacob in his Q&A below.

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

I ran the TCS NYC Marathon in 2015 and loved it, even though my hip went out during the last 3 miles of the race! I missed having my name listed in The New York Times by 30 seconds. Despite that, I was blown away by the support from the crowds throughout the race. There is really nothing like it in terms of running. I generally run half marathons and 10Ks, but the TCS NYC Marathon is really outstanding.

For that race I raised $2,000 for Trans Lifeline, which offers crisis counseling to transgender and people by trans people. At that time, I fell in love with running long distances and raising money for organizations supporting causes I value at the same time. This year my goal is to run the NYC Marathon in under 5 hours and make it into The New York Times this year! And of course raise at least $3,000 for PAWS NY. 

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

I was looking for an organization to run for this fall, and came across PAWS NY under the list on the NYRR website. After reading up on PAWS NY’s mission to support the human-animal bond, I knew it was the right organization to run with. Having gone through the COVID-19 pandemic with my cats, I know my mental health would have really suffered without them. I strongly believe that pets are integral parts of families,and when you adopt a furry family member it is for the entirety of that little being’s life (and after). Choosing to enter into that bond opens you both up for transformation and growth, as you let this little semi-wild creature into your home. What you create together changes you both (as any relationship does). It would be heartbreaking to have to separate because one part of that relationship can no longer physically care for the other. I love that PAWS NY understands that and works to enable the continuance of those relationships.

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

I do! I have two adorable brown and gray tabby cats: Hermy (12) and Tonx (6). I grew up with almost every kind of pet that lives mainly in a cage: guinea pigs, hamsters, fish, parakeet, rats. I always wanted a cat or dog, but my parents were pretty opposed to larger animals, so at 11 years old I went to our local public library and made a research presentation about the benefits of dog companionship, with a list of dog breeds that would be compatible with our family. My parents still talk about this! It seemed to convince them because we got a sheltie named Travis when I was 13. Looking back, that probably should have been a sign that I would grow up to become a professor.

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I have been running for nine years. My favorite place to run in the city is Prospect Park. Some of my favorite races are the (now defunct) Disneyland Half Marathon and the Pride Run.

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

I am a Gender and Queer Studies Professor, with subfields in Transgender Studies and Asian American Studies, so teaching and writing takes up most of my time during the school year. Whatever little other time I have (that is not loving on Hermy and Tonx) is generally spent playing board games, hiking, and watching movies or the performing arts.

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

1. I am an identical twin. 
2. I am a published author, and am completing my first monograph this fall. 
3. As a self-identified cat guy, I love both cats and dogs. 

Thanks so much for your support, Jacob! We’re excited to see you run this November! Click here to support Jacob and other members of Team PAWS NY.

The post Runner Spotlight: Jacob appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

As a veterinary student, Gia knows the importance of the human-animal bond and wanted to support PAWS NY by running the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon on November 6! Although Gia is a new runner, she’s found a true connection with running and wants to be a part of future marathons, and we’re happy to support and encourage her along the way! 

Read more about Gia in her Q+A below!

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

My New Year’s Resolution this year was to get into running. I started with two miles, then four, and before I knew it, I had completely fallen in love with running! Almost everyone I began running with would talk about how incredible of an event the NYC Marathon was and I knew it was something I wanted to push myself to do. I’ve only ever ran half marathons and I am so excited for this next challenge. 

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

My love for animals began at a young age and I have been a constant in my life. As a 2nd year veterinary student, I’ve seen first hand what the animal-to-human bond can bring to the lives of others. The work done by PAWS NY is something very unique; the care of the animals gives the residents of NYC the peace of mind in knowing their four-legged friends are going to be cared for, loved, healthy, and happy. 

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

I do! I have a husky/samoyed mix named Acuña. I have always grown up with large breed dogs but Acuña is the first dog I’ve cared for myself. He is 100% my best friend and running buddy. 

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

I began running last January. My absolute favorite place to run is Central Park; the views never get old and I love listening to the mix of running, biking, jazz music, conversations, etc. I also enjoy running down the West Side Highway!  

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

Most of my weekends are spent exploring the restaurants in NYC, hanging out in Central Park, and going to the many comedy shows NYC has to offer. 

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

1. I grew up snowboarding and it is my absolute favorite thing to do.
2. In 2024, I will graduate as a veterinarian and hope to score a residency in orthopedic / soft tissue surgery.
3. Although I juuuust began running, I think it would be incredible to one day run all of the six major marathons (NYC, Berlin, London, Chicago, Tokyo, and Boston).

Gia, thanks so much for your support and your dedication to helping animals in so many ways! Click here to support Gia and other members of Team PAWS NY.

The post Runner Spotlight: Gia appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Introducing Nicole, another one of the amazing individuals running the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon on our behalf on November 6! After supporting PAWS NY as a volunteer and realizing the impact it has on the NYC community, Nicole wanted to expand her support a bit more, so she is fundraising on our behalf and running the Marathon! 

We are excited to cheer her on and thank you, Nicole, for your dedication and support! 

Read more about Nicole in her Q+A below!

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

Because I will be turning 40 in December and wanted to have a monumental goal to achieve before that. I have never run before!

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

I was a volunteer. I saw the impact it had on the two people I volunteered with and wanted to dedicate my run to the cause.

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

Yes! His name is Marty. He is a rescue Pittie!

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

Just started – West Side Highway.

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

Hang with my dog, travel, try new restaurants and explore the best city in the world, NYC!

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

1. I love pandas.
2. I’m learning French.
3. I skydived with the Army Golden Knights in 2011.

Is there anything else you want to share with the PAWS community? 

New York is my dream city and I am completely overjoyed that I have this opportunity to run the most famous marathon in the world in my dream city!

The post Runner Spotlight: Nicole appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

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

It has been on my race bucket list ever since I began running. It’s still so surreal to me that I will be doing it this year! 

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

I find the work that PAWS NY does is so valuable and important. I volunteer at a local shelter in my community and caring for animals has always been a passion of mine. 

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

Oh yes, I have always had dogs for as long as I can remember. Currently I have 2 sweet dogs (one of whom we lovingly refer to as our foster fail).

How long have you been running? What are some of your favorite places to run?

My first half marathon was in 2007 and I have been running ever since. My speed and distances have fluctuated through age/motherhood, but never my love of the sport! My husband is my #1 running buddy and we run in the mornings together after dropping the kids off at school. We’ve done several races together and I am so excited he will be running NYC with me! 

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

I have a little Etsy shop with gifts for runners and really enjoy crafting. I am also a die hard Green Bay Packers fan and LOVE watching football. 

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

1. I have been a contestant on The Price is Right.
2. Prior to kids, I was training to be an Opera singer.
3. The Athens Marathon is the next race on my bucket list!  

What are your goals for this race? How can PAWS support you?

My goal is to be trained, run a healthy and enjoyable race, and finish in under 5 hours.

Is there anything else you want to share? Now’s the time!

My husband Peter and I are doing the race together and started a TikTok page to track our progress (and help us earn donations)! We are on TikTok and Instagram under @RunMomRunDad.

The post Runner Spotlight: Bri appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.