A Record-Breaking Sunday for Team Catholic Charities
On the morning of November 1, 2026, 22 runners joined a massive field of over 61,500 athletes in Staten Island to tackle the TCS New York City Marathon. By the end of the day, the group had completed the 26.2-mile course. Team Catholic Charities secured an unprecedented $135,000 to bolster the efforts of Catholic Charities of New York as they address the most urgent issues facing New Yorkers who are struggling.
High temperatures, which exceeded typical seasonal norms, added an extra hurdle to a route famously described as a “deceptively tough” course. Despite the challenge, the 22-member team completed the trek, turning a grueling athletic endeavor into a significant financial engine for the charity.
The Human Stakes Behind the Miles
For the organization, this funding arrives at a critical juncture. These record-setting funds generated by Team Catholic Charities will be directed toward the group’s ongoing mission to assist New York’s most at-risk populations, specifically by addressing hunger and food insecurity, homelessness, obstacles encountered by vulnerable children and families, unemployment, and illness and disability. Catholic Charities of New York’s CEO J. Antonio Fernández remarked that these fundraising initiatives will assist thousands of New Yorkers in need and ensure many families in the community receive essential Thanksgiving meals. The team’s composition reflected a broad cross-section of the community, ranging from first-time marathoners to members of the clergy. Anabella Maria Galang, a member of the Catholic Charities of New York Junior Board, completed her first marathon this year.
The New York City Marathon brings out the best of New Yorkers, and it is incredibly meaningful to be able to support our neighbors in need while participating in this celebration of humanity.
Faith and Endurance in the Five Boroughs
The intersection of faith and physical endurance was a central theme for several participants. Jonathan Pham, a seminarian of St. Joseph’s School in Bronxville, viewed his participation as an extension of his mission. Father Seán Connolly, a priest from Riverdale’s Parish of St. Margaret of Cortona – St. Gabriel, delivered a homily at the “Marathon Mass” at St. Patrick’s Cathedral the evening before the race.
For Father Connolly, the marathon was a literal and figurative journey. He stated his intention to offer each of the 26 miles as a prayer, specifically in thanksgiving for those who support the mission of Catholic Charities. The organization’s CEO, J. Antonio Fernández, highlighted the broader impact of these efforts, noting that the funds would directly provide essential meals for families across the community.
Looking Toward 2027
The roster for the 2026 team consisted of: Amelia Viator, Anabella Maria Galang, Barbara Fitzgerald, Cate Sawkins, Francis J Walsh, Jonathan Pham, Jordan Girard, Karl Groskaufmanis, Kelly Coyle, Kiera Price, Kristine Nunez, Lawrence Eberst, Lillian McKenna, Lily Droesch, Mark Rionda, Mary Brusco, Mary Kate Cunningham, Matthew Babich, Matthew Tully, Michael Paranac, Neven McBay, Peter J DeTolla, Robert G Gebhart, Seán M Connolly, and Taylor Girard.
Those interested in joining the effort for 2027 are directed to reach out to the organization’s coordination team via email at alexandra.mahoney@catholiccharitiesny.org.
