NYC Marathon Runners Share What It’s Like to Run for Animals

For the past few years, World Animal Protection has had the honor of being selected as a community partner for the TCS New York City Marathon. This partnership allows supporters and animal lovers to raise funds for World Animal Protection in order to gain entry into the New York City marathon. As one of the most highly sought-after marathon entries in the world, our runners have been able to have the unique experience of running this special race AND helping to save animals.

Last year our charity runners raised more than $17,000 for animals around the world! Hear more about this event from some of our 2022 New York Marathon runners below.

Victoire Boldt

My word for 2022 was “strength” so I decided to run a half marathon, a triathlon, and a marathon. I had never run more than seven miles prior to that. I did it for me, but I was also excited to show my three little kiddos that we can do what we put our minds to.

When selecting my charity partner, World Animal Protection was the one that made the most sense to me. My sister works with animals, and she is very passionate. My eight-year-old daughter finally thought I was doing something worthy with my time when I told her the charity I wanted to run with!

I really had a lot of fun with my marathon experience. I loved the training piece because it was my “me time.” The day of the marathon itself is high in emotions (some really high and some pretty dark minutes--and everything in between). Once you get to the distance you have never run before, it is wild--every mile you tell yourself, ‘I am doing it!’ It is a very mental game the entire time. You learn to cheer for yourself and to be gracious when things get tough.

Brandon Zemlock

I wanted to complete the New York City Marathon so I could have the experience of it. Running 26.2 miles is no joke, but it’s such a unique accomplishment that not many people can complete. Plus, my brother joined me as a charity runner with World Animal Protection as well, making this event extra special and a family affair.

When choosing a charity partner, I was drawn to World Animal Protection because of my love for animals. I wanted to be able to give back and incorporate animals in that choice as a charity runner.

Running the marathon and the whole experience was amazing! There is just no other word for it. Putting in the work to complete all that training, and then finally being able to run the race, was a special experience I won’t forget in my lifetime.

Some advice our runners want to share with future World Animal Protection charity runners:

Have fun, and take it all in. Running the NYC marathon is going on a trip across so many cultures; it is like moving through different little worlds. You will experience parts of the city you have probably never seen before!

Smile, smile, smile! It helps your mind think you are okay even if your body is saying no!

Have your name on your t-shirt--hearing people cheering you on is incredible and helps when you get tired.

Take your training seriously, this distance is no joke so be ready for a little heat.

Sign up as a charity runner, or learn more about the TCS New York City Marathon charity partners.

Not a runner? There are other ways to help animals, and one of the best ways you can do so is by joining our monthly giving program: the Wild Side. At just $14.99, you’ll be making a difference for animals worldwide by supporting the rescue, care, and advocacy World Animal Protection is doing to create lasting change. Plus, when you sign up, you’ll receive an exclusive welcome kit.