I’m honored and elated to share that I’ll be running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon with Team for Kids! This experience represents far more than just covering 26.2 miles. For me, this race is about purpose, healing, hope and giving back to a cause that changes young lives every day.

Being a teacher, I know firsthand how much programs like those supported by Team for Kids can mean. These programs give children space to grow, build confidence, and develop healthy habits. That’s why I believe so strongly in the mission of Team for Kids, which helps fund New York Road Runners’ free youth and community fitness programs. These programs empower children in underserved communities to move, dream, and discover the joy of accomplishment.

Running this marathon is also deeply personal for me. Thanksgiving Day of 2024, I lost my father and with that loss, I felt like I lost a part of myself. Grief has a way of shifting everything you thought you knew.  I found myself searching for meaning, balance, and a way to reconnect with who I am.

Each mile of this journey is dedicated to continuing to help me process, reflect, and heal. Training for this marathon is not only about building endurance, but about finding peace within movement while proving to myself that pain and strength can coexist.

By running with Team for Kids, I’m not only committing to months of training and countless miles — I’m dedicating this journey to helping kids discover the power of movement, just as I’m rediscovering it myself.

I’ve committed to a fundraising goal of $3,000 and I would be deeply grateful for your support.

Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference.  Even sharing my story makes a huge impact.

This marathon is more than a race. It’s a tribute to my dad, a step toward healing, and a promise to pay forward the kind of opportunities that can shape a life. It is a reminder of the resilience and perseverance we are all capable of.

Thank you for believing in me, in this cause, and in the power of movement. Together, we’re helping kids, and maybe even a few adults, find themselves again… one stride at a time.

With gratitude,
Reilly Jackson