Carson Gillaspia, the social media personality known as “Crust by Carson,” is set to run the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on November 1 to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association. Gillaspia is dedicating the race to his grandfather, who passed away in the spring of 2026 after living with Alzheimer’s disease, a journey that underscored for him how the illness impacts an entire family rather than just the individual patient.
For those who follow Gillaspia online, the transition from sourdough starters to 26.2 miles might seem like a leap. But as reported by Yahoo Sports, his digital presence is actually built on a foundation of resilience and recovery. His path to the starting line in New York wasn’t a straight shot; it was forged through a series of health crises that shifted his perspective on what it means to be capable.
From kidney failure to the New York pavement
The drive to push his physical limits began with a terrifying medical emergency. Gillaspia shared that an allergic reaction to penicillin led to kidney failure, a “really, really scary” experience that served as a wake-up call. He realized he had never truly “spread his wings” or tested his own independence. This realization prompted a bold move from his tight-knit family circle in Houston to New York City, where he knew only one person.
Even after relocating, the road to the marathon remained fraught. A torn meniscus sidelined his initial training, forcing him to stop running entirely for a period. Rather than keeping the struggle private, he shared the experience of recovering his mobility with his audience. He noted that the process of remembering what it felt like to move his body ensured he would never again take that ability for granted.
This vulnerability is what expanded his reach. While he initially gained a following by sharing his passion for baking—a skill he developed with his mother, which earned him the nickname “Betty Crocker” from his brother—it was the intersection of baking and running that resonated with thousands. By documenting the grit required to return to sport after injury, he found a community of people facing their own physical and emotional hurdles.
The family toll of Alzheimer’s disease
While the running and baking provided the platform, the motivation for the 2026 marathon is deeply personal. The loss of his grandfather this past spring brought the brutal reality of Alzheimer’s into sharp focus. Gillaspia has used his platform to highlight that the disease is a collective family trauma, not just a diagnosis for one person.
The stakes of this effort extend beyond a single race. Using his influencer status, Gillaspia is attempting to turn digital attention into tangible support for the Alzheimer's Association and provide solidarity to others experiencing the same grief.
“It’s been really nice to be able to share with other people that they’re not alone,” Gillaspia said regarding the connection he has built with others facing similar challenges.
The logistics of Marathon Sunday
The 2026 TCS New York City Marathon will take place this Sunday, November 1. For those looking to follow Gillaspia and the rest of the field, the event will have extensive broadcast coverage. Pre-race programming begins at 7:00 a.m. on Channel 7, with live race coverage starting at 8:00 a.m. on both Channel 7 and ESPN2.
Ultimately, Gillaspia’s trajectory from Houston to New York represents how he used passions like sourdough and running to build a following and connect with others facing health challenges. He remains, by his own account, “unbelievably” grateful for the community that has grown around these passions.
