Crossing the finish line in Central Park after 26.2 miles is something I’ll never forget. My first marathon, the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, was more than just a race. It was the culmination of months of training, an emotional comeback from injury and an incredible opportunity to run for an organization that means so much to me – the PGA of America REACH Foundation.
Our REACH Marathon Team came together not just as runners, but as ambassadors for inclusion, access and opportunity through golf. Collectively, we raised more than $130,000 for the Foundation. Every dollar we raised helps open new doors for others through PGA Jr. League, PGA HOPE and PGA WORKS. Knowing this gave each mile even more meaning.
When I first committed to running the mara thon, I had two emotions: excitement and fear. I had never run more than a half marathon before, and 26.2 miles felt almost mythical in scope. I built my training plan carefully, balancing runs with my work schedule and keeping recovery a top priority. But, as any runner knows, training for a marathon rarely goes perfectly.
Just a few days before race day, I faced what I feared most, an injury scare. During a recovery run, I felt a sharp pain in my right foot. What I first thought was a minor tweak quickly became serious enough to put my participation in doubt. The following days were filled with ice packs, physical therapy and uncertainty. For a while, it looked like all the months of preparation might end before the starting gun even fired.
Feeling well enough to attempt to run, race morning on Staten Island was electric. The hum of nervous anticipation ran through the crowd like a current with tens of thousands of runners from around the world, each with their own reason for being there. As I waited for my wave to start, wearing my PGA REACH team uniform, I thought about everyone who had donated, supported and believed in our mission. That thought steadied my nerves.
When the cannon fired and we started over the steep uphill of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge, the emotion hit me hard. The skyline stretched out in the distance, and the sound of footsteps echoed like a heartbeat. The first few miles felt effortless, carried by adrenaline and the cheers of the crowd.
The energy in Brooklyn was off the charts with bands playing, kids high-fiving runners, strangers shouting my name off my bib. The sense of community was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. Every borough had its own rhythm, its own story to tell. By the halfway mark, I found a comfortable pace, letting the energy of the spectators pull me forward.
Then came the Queensboro Bridge at mile 16. The crowds disappear there, and the silence is deafening. It’s just the sound of shoes on pavement and heavy breathing. It’s where the race becomes mental. But cresting that bridge and hearing the roar of Manhattan as you descend onto First Avenue is indescribable. Thousands of people lined the street, screaming encouragement. That moment reminded me why I ran: for the PGA of America REACH Foundation, for the people who believed in me, and for the joy of pushing past what I thought was possible.
As the race neared to an end, I was amazed by the support of the crowd and fellow runners. The runners feeling good were offering words of encouragement to those struggling. Fans were yelling “almost there” and “you got this” as we inched closer to the finish line.
As I entered Central Park, I saw the finish line drawing near. I could feel the tears welling up – part exhaustion, part gratitude. I sprinted to the finish line to sneak under 3 hours and 25 minutes, more than 5 minutes faster than my original goal pace, and felt a rush of relief and pride that words can’t capture. It was proof that perseverance pays off.
Looking back, the NYC Marathon wasn’t just about running 26.2 miles. It was about representing PGA REACH and its mission to make the game a force for good.
I’m grateful to everyone who supported me along the way, including family, friends, teammates, donors and the countless strangers who cheered us on through the streets of New York. The marathon taught me that resilience, teamwork and purpose can carry you farther than you ever imagined, while reinforcing how meaningful it is to be part of a team working toward something bigger than ourselves.
For more information, contact PGA REACH’s Alyssa Blundell at ablundell@pgahq.com.