Jake’s TCS NYC Marathon Run to Support NYPD Families

When my uncle first woke me up at 9am during Christmas break to go on a 3-mile run with him, I told him to get lost. I was in the 7th grade and in no way, shape, or form fit to go for a run, let alone 3 miles. But, he nagged me to get out of bed and do it. Needless to say, I was miserable. My shoes were shoddy, I stopped multiple times, and I was constantly out of breath. But, when I got home, I had a profound sense of accomplishment, knowing that I did something that I really didn’t want to do, but powered through it regardless.

It wasn’t long before I got my own running shoes and started going on jogs frequently. Once I was able to complete three miles, I was hooked. It became something that I looked forward to, something that I felt I couldn’t function in my day without.

Once I got out of college, I was hitting ten miles with ease, which inspired me to participate in the 2023 Hook Mountain Half Marathon.

With running, I am always pushing my limit and surprising myself with what I can do. My 13-year old self that morning would have never envisioned me running three miles at the end of the day, but I did it. At the time I could only run three miles, I would have told you you’re out of your mind if you said I was running a half marathon, but I remember thinking, “Yeah, this is enough running, I would never run a marathon.” Pushing myself is what gives me pride and makes me stronger mentally, physically and spiritually. Once I found With Arms Wide Open, it was a no brainer to do this, both benefitting myself and a great cause.

NYPD With Arms Wide Open is a non-profit organization that assists current and retired officers of all ranks facing a future of raising a special needs or medically complex child. Frequent fundraisers are their only source of capital, and 100% of all donations received to go aid families of the NYPD who have expressed a need. You can find out more about them by visiting www.nypdwawo.org