NYCRUNS Brooklyn Experience Half Marathon 2026

Overall health and wellness have always been central themes in my life. Growing up playing sports, I was constantly reminded of the importance of fueling my body including getting a good meal before a game and staying hydrated to perform at my best.

As I grew older, that mindset expanded beyond athletics and into service. I became involved in various philanthropic endeavors, including volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and joining a community service sorority. Giving back to the community became just as important to me as staying active and healthy.

It wasn’t until I moved to Brooklyn, however, that I truly began to understand the realities of food access. Living in a food desert, I found myself searching far and wide for decent produce during a time when inflation was already making groceries more expensive. If it was difficult for me, I could only imagine how challenging it must be for people without the same resources or flexibility.

A few years ago, I discovered One Love Community Fridge and was immediately moved by its mission to address food insecurity through education and sustainable community action. After getting involved as a volunteer, I attended events and forums hosted by the organization that helped me reconnect the dots between movement and nourishment.

One Love Community Fridge is truly a diamond in the rough. Running on behalf of this organization and helping spread its mission is something that brings me immense joy.