Elizabeth Anderson's & Leslie Marquez's Journey to 26.2
Tiffany McKinney and Elizabeth met in 2012 when they started working together. She quickly became her mentor, and just as quickly, they became friends, then best friends.
In 2009 Elizabeth ran her first half marathon with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Phoenix, Arizona, raising money for those battling cancer. Crossing that finish line after 13.1 miles was unforgettable, the training was up to her, but the purpose was so much bigger. When she shared that experience with Tiffany, she wanted to experience it too.
In 2015, they registered for the Nashville Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon together. They trained, crossed the finish line and had the best time in a city they came to love, and of course they celebrated big! From there, both of their running journeys continued. Oddly enough, Liz actually doesn’t love running, it’s the challenge, the purpose, and the gratitude for having a healthy body that drive her. Tiffany, on the other hand, truly loved it. She ran several half marathons but hesitated to commit to a full 26.2.
In 2017 Liz was in attendance of the Route 91 Music Festival in Las Vegas, the mass shooting in Las Vegas. It caused a lot of pain and heartache for Liz. In 2018 Tiffany, Liz’s mom Berna and her sister-in-law Leslie ran beside her in the Las Vegas Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon as she retraced the path of the October 1, 2017 weekend. In honor of the 58 victims, they all wore shirts that read “58 Empty Barstools.” (pictured).
In 2021, Leslie committed to her first full marathon in Phoenix, which inspired her family to someday complete one as well.
In 2022 Liz decided to tackle her very first 26.2 miles and registered for the Phoenix Rock ’n’ Roll Full Marathon with my sister, Raelina. Tiffany called them crazy but supported them fully. She even joined them between miles 20 and 24, encouraging them when their bodies were hurting, breaking down and they were hitting the wall. When they crossed the finish line, Tiffany was there, celebrating.
In 2023, Liz committed to what she declared would be her last marathon, running alongside her mom and Leslie in Phoenix. That was it, they were done, no more full marathons!
In February 2025, over dinner, Tiffany surprised Liz and said, “I committed to a full marathon. I’m running with my brother Matt in D.C. in October.” Liz knew immediately she was ready, her mind, her body, and her spirit. We were so proud of her.
For the next five months, she trained hard. Then life took an unexpected turn. In August 2025, Tiffany became ill. Shortly after, she was diagnosed with cancer and passed away at the end of September at the very young age of 45.
Tiffany never got to visit NYC. She never got to run her 26.2. She never got her medal.
The New York City Marathon is one of the largest marathons in the world, and this year by the grace of God (and I’m sure a little help from above), Liz and Leslie’s applications were accepted to run in support of Team for Kids charity. The two of them committed together to run in Tiffany’s honor. She may not run beside them physically, but she will be with them every step of those 26.2 miles.
Please join Leslie and Elizabeth in supporting Team for Kids at the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon as they run in Tiffany’s memory on November 1, 2026. Team for Kids is making it possible for us to take on this run in New York City
This run represents turning grief into purpose, supporting something greater than ourselves, and helping kids build healthy, active lives through running (Tiffany's joy).
In Tiff’s honor and through this journey, they hope to inspire strength, wellness, commitment, dedication and hope.
Thank you for helping them honor Tiffany.