NYC Marathon Archives - Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY

Runner Spotlight: Jamal

Will Braithwaite — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:30:15 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is Jamal Seriki, who will be running the 2026 NYC Half Marathon in March. Jamal has been volunteering for PAWS since September 2025. He loves helping animals in need, and he’s extremely excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

Runner Spotlight: Clare

Will Braithwaite — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 15:40:34 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is Clare Sheedy, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November. Clare is a graduate student at Columbia University who loves animals and can’t wait to run the marathon to support PAWS NY!

Runner Spotlight: Michelle

Will Braithwaite — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:08:56 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is Michelle Mayakis, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November. Michelle is a 2026 DVM candidate at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She loves helping animals in need, and she’s extremely excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

Read more about Michelle in her Q&A below!

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

I have 2 cats of my own that were both foster fails! I grew up with horses, cats, donkeys, goats, and dogs. My family and I are huge pet people and growing up with so many was such a dream!

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

I’m currently getting my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 2026 at North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. I love animals and I love supporting any cause that loves and cares for pets as much as I do. I love PAWS mission and I cannot wait to run for them!

Why did you decide to run the 2024 Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I ran the 2024 St. Patrick’s day marathon in Virginia Beach this year. I enjoyed the thrill, energy and support of the runners and the supporters. I have always seen how big the NYC marathon is and have had a dream of experiencing this wonderful race. I am so thrilled that I can do what I love with such a large volume of supporters along the way!

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

I like to horse back ride, hang out with my friends, travel, try new restaurants, and just be outside. Also, I once was stalked by a Cheetah while running in South Africa! I love to travel and have been to many amazing places all over the world.

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

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

Runner Spotlight: Glenn

Will Braithwaite — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 16:42:20 +0000

Glenn with Winter and Ember

Today’s Runner Spotlight is about Glenn, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November. Glenn is a veterinarian who loves to help people and animals in need, and he’s extremely excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

Runner Spotlight: Amanda L

Will Braithwaite — Tue, 13 Aug 2024 19:07:50 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight is about another Amanda, Amanda L, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November. As someone who has always had pets and loved animals, Amanda is excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

Read more about Amanda in her Q&A below:

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

While I am currently a Florida resident, I grew up in NJ only a short train ride away from NYC. I work as an occupational therapist helping people regain, maintain, or retain their independence with life skills after an injury or illness. This charity is a really unique opportunity for me as a dog mom, animal lover and OT! Knowing this money is helping support those who can not care for their animals provides another outlet for me to support those in need.

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

I currently have the privilege of being a dog mom to my sweet 11 year old Vizsla named Bruce! Bruce was named after the character in Matilda (yes the one from the chocolate cake scene), and while I originally planned on getting a boy dog there were only females left in her litter. So like a boy named Sue, she’s a girl named Bruce! In her younger days Bruce was my running buddy, and while she’s slowed down now she still enjoys long walks to the beach (or the local coffee shop for a pup cup).

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

I joined my high school track team for one winter season before going out with an injury (should have known then I’d get hooked eventually). While I fell in love with Pilates shortly afterwards, as a poor college student I found myself falling back in love with running. Whenever I go back to visit my alma mater, Florida State University (GO NOLES) I’m always sure to pack my running shoes. There’s something about running under that Spanish moss that always takes me back. I live in Atlantic Beach, Florida currently and love running through this sleepy beach town.

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

When not on a run you can find me out and about walking with my sweet girl Bruce, laying out at the beach or cozied up on the couch watching the latest Dateline or 20/20. I’m also a Pure Barre instructor (going on 7 years)!

We’re so excited to cheer you on as you run Amanda! Click here to donate to Amanda L’s fundraising page or support the team overall.

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Runner Spotlight: Amanda

Will Braithwaite — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 00:25:48 +0000

Amanda and her pup Lisa!

Today’s Runner Spotlight is all about Amanda, who will be running the 2024 NYC Marathon in November–her second marathon! As someone who has always had pets and loved animals, Amanda is excited to fundraise for PAWS NY and support our mission.

Read more about Amanda in her Q&A below:

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

I grew up with dogs and have always felt that pets are some of the most supportive family members you can have. Unfortunately, I don’t live in a pet friendly apartment and cannot have a pet of my own. I wanted to start giving back to the community and when I found PAWS NY it seemed like the perfect fit. Helping others care for their 4-legged family members is so fulfilling!

Why did you decide to run the 2024 Marathon? Have you participated in long races in the past?

The NYC Marathon has been a bucket list item for me since I moved to NYC in 2019. The energy of this race is truly moving and I can’t wait to feel it from the athlete perspective. I did my first marathon (Philly) in 2023 and am ready to tackle training for marathon #2!

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

I grew up with doggos! My parents let my sister and I name our first dog. We didn’t know that pet names could be *creative*… so we named her Lisa. A patient and loyal yellow lab mix rescue . In all the places I’ve lived, I’ve always found a way to either walk, play with, or dog sit friend’s, family’s, or coworker’s doggos

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

Growing up, I played sports that involved a lot of running and my dad is a triathlete so I’ve always been around the running world. Some of my favorite places to run are Central Park, the East River Walkway, and Key Largo, FL (enjoyed 4 years of no hills while living down there!).

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

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

Runner Spotlight: Annie

Kimberly Green — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:15:30 +0000

For the second year in a row, volunteer Annie is running the TCS New York City Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY! She’s been walking Valla for several years now and loves highlighting their walks on her social media.

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.

Annie and Valla

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.

Runner Spotlight: Justin

Kimberly Green — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 13:22:01 +0000

We’re 11 days away from the TCS New York City Marathon, and we’ve got another Runner Spotlight for you: Justin! Justin understands the importance of the human-animal bond and has seen first-hand the need for PAWS NY: “Someone close to me had major obstacles with taking care of her pets in the past, so I’m glad PAWS NY exists for those in need.”

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.

Runner Spotlight: Harrison

Kimberly Green — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 14:18:49 +0000

Today’s Runner Spotlight keeps a family tradition alive! Living in Huntington, NY, Harrison watched his father regularly participate in the NYC Marathon and he’s excited to turn the tables this year and run while his father cheers him on!

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.

Runner Spotlight: Gigi

Kimberly Green — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 13:33:38 +0000

We’re giving a huge shoutout to Gigi, who is running the TCS New York City Marathon on Team PAWS NY this year! Gigi originally joined the PAWS cause for the 2020 Marathon, but after that event was canceled, she postponed her participation until this year.

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?

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.
I’m fluent in three languages.
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.

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