The NYC Marathon will be my first marathon ever! I’ve participated in several shorter races, including 5Ks and 10Ks. Additionally, this year I’ve completed the Brooklyn Half Marathon and Queens 10K with NYRR and I am so excited to take on this next challenge of 26.2 miles.

What inspired me to run the NYC Marathon this year comes down to two things. First, it’s the incredible running community I’ve had the privilege of being part of. From the amazing runners I’ve met and trained alongside to the many strangers who have become familiar faces and sources of encouragement, this community is truly special. There is something beautiful about how runners support, motivate, and push one another to keep going. Second, I run in honor of my father, who passed away during COVID. Every race I participate in and every finish line I cross is for him. He instilled in me the values of hard work, determination, and resilience—qualities that are at the heart of training for and completing a race. This marathon is not just a personal goal, to me, it represents perseverance, love, and carrying my dad's strength every step of the way.

Running for EHTP is incredibly special. I had the privilege of running alongside some of our students when they were part of our running club, right as my own running journey was just beginning. To now have the opportunity to take on this challenge and show our students and families that anything they set their minds to is possible means the world to me. This experience is about more than crossing a finish line—it’s about inspiring our community, leading by example, and reminding our kids that with dedication, perseverance, and belief in themselves, they can achieve anything they dream of. Thank you for supporting Team Kat and helping me in inspiring the next generation of runners.