Even though Saree didn’t do so great at cross-country in middle school, she is excited to run her first-ever long race with the Half and support PAWS NY–and we’re thrilled to give her a shoutout today!

Read Saree’s full Q&A below to learn about her pet family members Onny and Cody, where she likes to run in NYC, and more!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half? Have you participated in long races in the past?

After cheering on my friend at the TCS NYC Marathon, I impulsively signed up because of how inspiring the day was. The 2023 United Airlines NYC Half will be my first long race. 

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

I saw someone running for PAWS NY during the TCS NYC Marathon. I had been following PAWS NY for a while, and when I received an email asking for volunteers for this year’s Half, the timing was perfect. 

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

I have a kitten named Onny, who I rescued this past summer. I grew up with animals my whole life. Special shout-out to my parent’s dog / my brother Cody the Goldendoodle. 

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

I have been running since I impulsively registered for the Half! I love running in Central Park or wherever my legs take me. 

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

In my free time, I like relaxing with my cat Onny, going to Pilates, listening to podcasts, and trying new foods with friends. 

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

1. This summer I am going to Paris with my Grandma. 
2. I am left-handed. 
3. In middle school, I was kicked off of my cross-country team because I couldn’t run!

Saree, we know you can prove that cross-country coach wrong this year!

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

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

New York, NY, February 21, 2023

The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the city’s most anticipated and iconic annual sporting events, attracting runners and spectators of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities from around the world. More than 50,000 runners are expected this year after the race returned to full capacity last year.

The mission of PAWS NY is to help New York City residents who are most at-risk of losing their pets due to physical and financial obstacles they face, with particular emphasis on low-income seniors and individuals suffering from illness or disability.  Our programs and volunteers provide support to help keep pets in their homes with the people who love them and out of the shelter system.

As a part of the TCS New York City Marathon Charity Partner Program, PAWS NY will coordinate a team of 15 runners who will participate in the Marathon on Sunday, November 5, 2023. These runners will commit to raising critical funds on behalf of the organization, allowing PAWS NY to continue to help clients overcome the physical and financial limitations they face caring for their animal companions.

“We love participating as a Charity Partner for the TCS New York City Marathon because it’s another way for our organization to be a part of the community here in NYC,” said Rachel Herman, Founder and Executive Director of PAWS NY. “Our runners will complete this iconic race while raising money for our organization, and it’s always an amazing experience to be a part of Marathon Sunday. We can’t wait to cheer on the members of Team PAWS NY—and all the runners!”

“The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the most exciting days of the year and thanks to our incredible charity partners it is also one of the most impactful and purposeful sporting events in the world,” said Christine Burke, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, NYRR. “New York Road Runners is proud to support the PAWS NY team and the incredible impact they have made to their communities as they raise important funds to help people by helping pets.”

The NYRR Official Charity Partner Program offers an opportunity for nonprofit organizations to raise funds to support their missions and services. Participating charities can offer guaranteed entry to runners who fundraise on their behalf.

Since its inception in 2006, the TCS New York City Marathon Official Charity Partner Program has raised more than $440 million for more than 1,000 worthy nonprofit organizations across the globe. Prior to the start of the official program, the New York City Marathon had served as an outlet for individual philanthropic runners since the 1980s.

# # #

About PAWS NY

The mission of PAWS NY is to help New York City’s most vulnerable residents remain with their pets by delivering critical programs and services through a community of partners and volunteers. Our programs help keep pets in their homes while protecting and promoting the human-animal bond that is so physically and psychologically valuable to our clients.  Thus, our motto: helping people by helping pets. To learn more, visit www.pawsny.org.

About New York Road Runners (NYRR)

NYRR’s mission is to help and inspire people through running. Since 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, virtual races, community events, free youth running initiatives and school programs, the NYRR RUNCENTER featuring the New Balance Run Hub, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features a wide population of runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

Contact:

PAWS NY
Kimberly Green, Director of Communications
Kimberly.Green@pawsny.org
212-203-4760, Ext 304

NYRR Media Relations
Stuart Lieberman
(c): 646-770-6987
(e): slieberman@nyrr.org

The post PAWS NY Named an Official Charity Partner of the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon appeared first on Pets Are Wonderful Support (PAWS) NY.

Read Kyle’s full Q&A below to learn more about the dogs in his life, his favorite places to run, and some exciting family news!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I have done three marathons and probably more than 10 half-marathons. I ran the 2021 TCS NYC Marathon on behalf of PAWS NY, and the 2022 NYC Half. 

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

I love pets and I understand how important it is to have a pet. Sometimes your pet may be the one that helps you when you are having a rough day.

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

I do! I have a nine-pound Chihuahua name Joy. She was originally my grandmother’s dog, but when my grandmother passed away, my wife and I took care of her. I also grew up with dogs, specifically Great Danes. When our dog passed last year, my grandma’s dog Joy helped us get through it.

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

I have been consistently running for approximately five or six years. I recently moved out of NYC but when I lived on the Upper East Side, I loved running at Carl Schurz park. When I moved to Rego Park, I loved running at Flushing park.

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

Read, relax, hang out with my dog!

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

I am an avid Knicks fan. Also (and possibly more important), my wife is expecting so I am going to be a dad!

What are your goals for this race?

My ultimate goal is to run it in under 2 hours.

Congrats on the family news, Kyle! We’re so excited to cheer you on and know you can reach your two-hour goal! 

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

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

This newlywed Manhattanite was planning to run the 2020 United Airlines NYC Half before it was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She completed the 2022 Brooklyn Half and is looking forward to finally tackling the NYC Half this year–and supporting PAWS NY along the way.

“I grew up with two dogs and they made my childhood so rich,” she said. “The connection between humans and pets is vital and such an amazing part of life.” Read Marisa’s full Q&A below to learn about her favorite spots to run in NYC and her goals for the race this year!

Why did you decide to run the 2023 United Airlines NYC Half? Have you participated in long races in the past?

I was signed up to run the 2020 United Airlines NYC Half, but it was canceled due to the pandemic. It has been weighing on me that I wasn’t able to run it and now that I am recovered from a knee injury, I needed to accomplish this goal. I ran the Brooklyn Half last year and while it was a lot of work and the race was HOT, it was beyond worth it. I am so excited to be running the NYC Half this year and cannot wait to hear everyone cheering in NYC! 

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

Animals have always been so important to me. I think the connection between humans and pets is vital and such an amazing part of life. PAWS NY is such an amazing organization that is able to help those who are in danger of losing their animals for either financial or physical reasons and I am honored and inspired to be part of that charge.

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

I grew up with two dogs and they made my childhood so rich. I do not have pets right now, but my husband and I dogsit all of our friends dogs which is probably our favorite thing to do. We will eventually (fingers crossed) get our own pup over the next few years!

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

I’ve been running seriously since 2019, but had to take some time off in 2020 due to a knee injury. I love running in Central Park – the hills are challenging (hello Harlem Hill!) and I love feeling the heartbeat of the city. There are also always people there cheering you on or fellow runners that help inspire and push you to keep going. I LOVE seeing parents running with their animals and/or their running strollers – such an inspiration! 

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

I love working out, especially Tracy Anderson (the only other workout that I do besides running), dog sitting, and going to concerts! 

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

1. I got married in December 2022, and just got back from my honeymoon which was in South Africa and Mozambique. A big part of our trip was a safari, which was an incredible experience. 
2. I am a certified fitness instructor and used to teach a cardio boxing class! 
3. I work at Estee Lauder Companies for the amazing, global brand Clinique. 

What are your goals for this race?

I would love to run the race in 2 hours flat. I ran the Brooklyn Half in 2:03, and I would love to shave off those 3 minutes. Not sure if I can hit it due to the hills and overall complexity of the course, but fingers crossed! 

We’re so excited to cheer you on, Marisa, and know you can reach your two-hour goal! 

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

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

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.