Most of these runners fundraised on our behalf in order to participate in the Marathon, while one already had guaranteed entry via another process, but still wanted to support PAWS NY however they could. Overall, Team PAWS NY raised more than $75,395 this year, with volunteer Emily (below, left) as the top fundraiser!

We’re so grateful to all the members of Team PAWS NY and the support that they give to our organization through this program. Not only do they raise a lot of money to help us continue our work, but they also spread the word about PAWS NY—through their fundraising and social media posts, and PAWS NY Marathon t-shirts!

If you were inspired by yesterday’s Marathon, consider applying to join Team PAWS NY for the 2024 United Airlines NYC Half!

A special thank you to the individuals who donated to PAWS NY in their honor. There’s still time to donate to their campaign. And congratulations all our runners! We hope you get plenty of time to rest and relax today!

The post 2023 TCS New York City Marathon Recap appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Today’s Runner Spotlight is all about Bre, who will be traveling from Tampa, Florida to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon–her first marathon! As someone who has always had pets, Bre is excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

“Our domestic animals bring joy, consistent love, and routine to our lives and it is a bond worth protecting,” she said. Bre currently has a dog named Charlotte and a cat named Peeps, and is honoring her cat Rory, who passed away last year. “When I lost my beloved orange cat, Rory, I realized how important the bond between a human and their animal truly is.”

Read more about Bre in her Q&A below, including her favorite TV and animal–and more about Rory, Charlotte, and Peeps!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I wanted to challenge my mind, body, and soul! My longest run was the Gasparilla Half Marathon in February 2023. After completing that race, I was actually very sad. I know that sounds crazy! I realized that I enjoyed training for races just as much as the race itself. I love to push myself and I thought, what better race than the NYC Marathon?! 

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

My two passions in life are helping people and helping animals. 

The PAWS NY mission is the best of those two worlds. When I lost my beloved orange cat, Rory, I realized how important the bond between a human and their animal truly is. Our domestic animals bring joy, consistent love, and routine to our lives and it is a bond worth protecting. I am grateful to be able to raise money for a charity that recognizes that bond and donates their time and resources to help protect that relationship. In my current role as an attorney who fights to protect the rights of one of the most vulnerable populations, I can recognize the importance of a charity like PAWS NY. 

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I have always grown up around dogs and cats. I am so lucky my family raised me around animals because it taught me compassion and responsibility. 

In 2011, during my senior year of high school, my mom rescued Rory at eight weeks old and gave him to me. He finished high school by my side, then college and law school. He was even best friends with my now husband too. Sadly, he passed away in July 2022. 

In 2016, I rescued my dog Charlotte when I was a second year law student in Orlando, FL. She was about three years old. I knew the moment I saw her big ol’ puppy dog eyes that I was smitten. Charlotte enjoys cuddling, laying around, and more cuddling. My kind of girl.

In October 2022, after losing Rory, we opened our hearts and rescued Peeps. She is a dilute tortoiseshell cat. She came from the streets of New Port Richey, FL. She enjoys parkouring off of our walls, and cuddling with my husband.   

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

I have been a casual runner ever since I can remember. It is one of my most enjoyable hobbies! 

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

I enjoy paddleboarding, watching a binge worthy show, and hanging out at home with my animals. I am sort of a homebody, but love going to coffeeshops and my go-to restaurants around Tampa (shoutout Ciccio Group)!

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

1) My favorite animal is a manatee. 

2) I despise potatoes, except in french fry form! 

3) My favorite show is The Office. 

We’re so excited to cheer you on as you run your first marathon, Bre! Click here to donate to Bre’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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Kyle is no stranger to being a part of

Having grown up with pets, Kyle knows the important role they play in our lives and is honoring his dog Saucer, who passed away last year. A new dad, Kyle lives in Long Island with his wife, their 20-week-old daughter, and a 13-year-old Chihuahua named Joy. Read more about Kyle in his Q&A below!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I have probably done 20 Half Marathons, and I have done two NYC Marathons. I like the challenge of running marathons. 

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

I ran for PAWS NY for the 2021 NYC Marathon, the 2022 NYC Half, and the 2023 NYC Half. I love animals and pets, and I know it is important to care for them.

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I do! I have a 13-year-old Chihuahua named Joy. She was my grandmother’s dog until my grandmother passed away. I also had a Corgi / Rat Terrier Mix named Saucer who unfortunately passed away last year. I miss him everyday. And I did grow up with pets. I grew up with Great Danes. 

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

I have been running for approximately a decade. At first, it was 5ks, but I love the challenge of running so I moved on to longer runs.

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

I spend time with my family, including my 20-week-old baby, Sadie, and my wife, Caitlin.

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

I am a lawyer (not that fun of a fact). I love the New York Knicks. When I was younger, I represented Suffolk County in soccer at the nationwide Jewish Olympics!

Glad to have you back on the team Kyle! Click here to donate to Kyle’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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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.

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Lawrence has been volunteering with PAWS NY for several years, as both a dog walker and as a foster volunteer. This year, he’s running the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY and we’re so excited to cheer him on!

“Growing up with a dog, I knew how important pets can be in our lives,” he said. “PAWS NY’s mission is so important to me because animals bring me so much joy that I want to help everyone else to experience it as well.”

Read Lawrence’s full Q&A below to learn more about his running journey, his favorite movie director, and his experience as a PAWS NY volunteer!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I never thought of myself as a runner; in fact, this is my first year taking running seriously. I decided to run the TCS NYC Marathon because it represents something to me. It represents a willingness to become better. No one can wake up one day and run a marathon out of thin air. It takes hard work and determination. So this is my chance to do something better for myself and PAWS NY! 

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

My first volunteer shift with PAWS NY introduced me to a small dog named Purl, owned by Joan on the Upper East Side. Growing up with a dog, I knew how important pets can be in our lives. I saw how happy Purl made Joan and I wanted to do everything I can to help. PAWS NY’s mission is so important to me because animals bring me so much joy that I want to help everyone else to experience it as well. 

Lawrence and his family with Max at Rockefeller Center

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I grew up with a dog named Max, a Dandie Dinmont Terrier. I always looked forward to coming home from school because Max would run to the front door to greet me and never leave my side. He would watch me do homework, sit with me while I played video games, or wait for me to slide him food when eating at the dinner table. He got me through the best and worst times. My favorite memory of Max was when my family took him to Rockefeller Center to see the Christmas Tree. Max is a wobbly, uncoordinated dog, who also hates walking, so there were better ideas than walking him in a crowd of people. Instead, I carried him over my shoulder for more than two hours along the packed streets of NYC. He was like a celebrity because so many people were petting him. He made so many people happy as we inched closer to the tree. It was a Christmas to remember!

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

I have been running since January of 2023, so I’m still pretty new to this! My favorite place to run is the Hudson River Greenway. On my long runs, I like to run to the Williamsburg Bridge and loop over to the Brooklyn Bridge.  

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

One of my biggest pastimes is cooking!

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

When I was in college I opened a hotdog stand. I love Christopher Nolan movies. And I like ice cream even though I’m lactose intolerant.

Lawrence, we’re so happy that you’re running the TCS NYC Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY this year. Thanks for your ongoing commitment as a volunteer! Click here to donate to Lawrence’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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Samantha and Nero

Today’s Runner Spotlight is all about Samantha! She is running the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY and in honor of her pup Nero, a Siberian Husky who passed away in March 2023.

Samantha started running a few years ago to help with anxiety and challenge herself physically. “After seeing my miles go up each week, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father who ran seven New York City Marathons,” she said.

Read Samantha’s full Q&A below to learn more about Nero, her first (pet-related) job, and her favorite spots to run in her town of South Orange, New Jersey.

Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

Samantha and her father

I started running a couple of years ago to help with anxiety and challenge myself physically.  After seeing my miles go up each week, I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father who ran seven New York City Marathons.

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

In March of 2023, I lost my beautiful Siberian Husky named Nero at 13.5 years old.  My husband and I adopted him at 8 weeks old and he was with us through many milestones, starting in our apartment in Queens, through a wedding, three moves, and two kids. 

Nero lived an incredible life with lots of bike rides, runs, and hikes. With all of his exercise, we couldn’t quite understand why he was always on the hefty side. It wasn’t until we dug up his papers that we found out he was sired by a dog named Chunkster: riddled solved! Even with the extra pounds, running was in his blood, just like it is in mine. PAWS NY was a wonderful organization where I could honor his spirit and help many more pups and people along the way.

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I always had dogs growing up and my very first job when I got my working papers at 14 years old was at a pet store named Puppy Park. I did not care if I had to clean all the cages for hours, I loved that I could learn about each puppy breed and play with them at my leisure.  

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

I have been running for two years and I love running in my historic town of South Orange and along the emerald coast of our vacation home in Destin, Florida.

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

I am an Elementary Art Teacher and a mom of Violet (5) and Sebastian (7).  

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

I can throw a tight spiral, I work as a Division head during the summers at Jeff Lake Camp, and over the pandemic I started my own art kit company for kids called Smockit: @smoc_Kit!

What are your goals for this race?

I want to finish in under 4 hours.

Samantha, thanks for supporting PAWS NY as you run this Marathon and follow in your father’s footsteps! Click here to donate to Samantha’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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Glenn with his dogs

Glenn is a small animal veterinarian who helps shelters and rescues in his hometown of Ocean City, NJ. With such a passion for animals, it’s no surprise that he’s the perfect fit for Team PAWS NY for the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon!

After running the race last year, Glenn was hooked and is excited to fundraise on behalf of PAWS NY to participate this year. Read his full Q&A below to learn more about his own furry family, favorite outdoor activities, and which band he’s seen in concert 30+ times!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I was lucky enough to win the lottery for the 2022 New York City Marathon. While running last year I knew I would do it again. That was my first and only marathon…so far. Otherwise, I ran an 18-mile race on Long Beach Island last year as my marathon prep.

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

I’m a small animal veterinarian and also actively help shelters and rescues in Ocean County NJ. For the 2023 NYC Marathon, I wanted to find a charity to run for and since I’ve devoted my life to helping animals, I looked for an animal-based charity and stumbled upon PAWS NY!

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I have three dogs and one gerbil at this time. Winter and Ember are 6-year-old Anatolian Shepherd/Great Pyrenees mix girls, Ernie is a paralyzed Havanese who’s now 16 years old. The gerbil is named Fig. She was rescued after a tail injury and I had to remove half of her tail.

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

I was turning 50 years old in 2019 and decided to finish a 5K by the end of the year. I reached that goal, and then COVID hit. I found myself with extra free time and chose to fill it with running and biking. There is a park about a mile away from me with a paved wooded trail, Winding River Park in Toms River, and that’s my favorite place.

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

Occasional kayaking and boogie boarding, biking, gardening, concerts, and hanging out with the dogs and my wonderful wife, Laurie.

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

I’ve been vegetarian for 30 years and vegan for the past five. I’m a beginner beekeeper; we have two hives in the backyard this year. And I’ve seen the band GWAR in concert about 30 times!

What are your goals for this race?

Finish in less than 5 hours.

Glenn, thanks for dedicating your life to helping animals! You’re going to be amazing in your second marathon! Click here to donate to Glenn’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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

Volunteer Jacqueline helps walk PAWS pup Ani every week in Brooklyn, and she even fostered this cutie when her guardian received medical treatment. 

“It’s a bright spot in my morning routine to take time and help someone else–in this case both a pup and their owner!” Jacqueline says. A cross-country runner in high school, the 2023 TCS NYC Marathon will be Jacqueline’s longest race and first Marathon–and we’re so happy that she’s on Team PAWS NY for the process! Read her full Q&A below to learn more about Jacqueline’s own rescue dog and her favorite places to run in NYC.

Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

It’s been a dream of mine to run the NYC Marathon since I was a cross-country runner in high school. My longest race to date has been a half-marathon.

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

I’m a volunteer with PAWS NY. I walk Ani in Dumbo each week, and talk to her owner Alex before and after the walks. I’ve also fostered Ani while her owner gets medical treatment. It’s a bright spot in my morning routine to take time and help someone else–in this case both a pup and their owner! 

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I grew up with a dog, and now have a rescue pup of my own, Watson. He brings so much joy to me every day. I couldn’t imagine my life without him, which is why I’m so happy to support PAWS NY’s mission of helping owners keep their pets!

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

I’ve been running a lot on the Hudson Greenway in Manhattan, as well as in Prospect Park.

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

I am learning how to rock climb and surf. I also love to go hiking with my dog Watson, read, and watch movies.

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

I speak four languages and know how to do a cartwheel.

We’re so grateful for your support as a volunteer Jacqueline, and can’t wait to cheer you on as you run your first Marathon! Click here to donate to Jacqueline’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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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?

1. Emily is a family name, and I am actually the fifth. 
2. I am an only child.
3. 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.

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

This Brooklynite is a published children’s book author and screenwriter who loves to run in Prospect Park! Read her full Q&A to learn more about Carsen and get excited to cheer her on this November.

Why did you decide to run the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon? 

After recovering from a devastating ACL injury a few years ago, I’ve always had the goal of training for and completing a marathon. It’s my first long race!

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

My childhood dog (and best friend) Bailey passed away at the age of 16 in 2021. I joined PAWS NY as a volunteer to give back to the pets and people of my community in her honor. For me, nothing is more important than the bond between an owner and their pet.

Do you have any pets of your own? Did you grow up with pets? Tell us about them!

I grew up with a rescue mutt named Bailey for most of my life. Now I have two beloved rescue cats, Goose (a 7-year-old Siamese) and Buffy (a 4-year-old tabby). 

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

I’ve been running for about ten years. Prospect Park is my favorite running spot in the city, but back home, it’s Riverfront Park in Jacksonville, Florida.

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

I perform live with sketch comedy team, One Bad Egg, all over New York. I’m also a published children’s author and screenwriter.

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

1. I used to work as a zookeeper! 
2. I was once a contestant on Jeopardy!

What are your goals for this race?

I’m aiming to finish with a time of 4:50! I’ve been training on a six-month plan and feeling confident so far! 

We’re so excited to have such dedicated volunteers running on behalf of PAWS NY this year for the Marathon. Click here to donate to Carsen’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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