Meet asphalt green's 2025 united airlines NYC half marathon runners
Team Asphalt Green in running this year’s 2025 United Airlines NYC Half Marathon in support of our mission to build community and transform lives through sports, fitness, and play for all.
Each runner’s campaign will help expand our free and low cost community programs, scholarships, and free learn to swim programs.
Before the big race, we sat down with our runners to hear why they’re taking part in this year’s half marathon with Team AG!
Dylan Porges
What inspired you to run the NYC half marathon?
My roommate Peyton, who will be running with me.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green?
I swam as an age grouper while growing up and eventually through college. I am excited to represent them for the first time outside the water.
Amelia Medved
What inspired you to run the NYC half marathon?
This will be my first ever half marathon, and this year, the NYC half happens to fall on my birthday. I’m excited to work toward this milestone as I start a new year– plus, hopefully it’ll help me get lots of family and friends out to support!
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green?
I grew up swimming competitively, and although I love to run, there’s nothing that compares to a great workout in the pool. I feel at home in the water, and I love that Asphalt Green offers the same feeling to young people who might otherwise not be able to access swim lessons and aquatic sports
Why are sports, fitness, and play important to you?
Exercise helps shape the way you move in the world, and I’ve found that fitness helps me feel grounded in my body and more connected to the world around me. It’s about trusting yourself and your ability to rise to challenges!
Carrie Tibbles
What inspired you to run the NYC half marathon?
The marathon is a really special race. I love the energy the crowd of runners brings to the day, and its inspiring to run through some of the iconic areas of NYC.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green?
Sports and fitness really do have the power to transform lives and build community. I am thrilled to to support this mission by partnering with Asphalt Green.
Mohammad Islam
What inspired you to run the NYC half marathon?
I have been focusing on my health for the last 18 months. Running the half marathon is a validation of this effort.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green?
Asphalt Green is an outstanding community institution. My children took swim lessons there before joining the swim league. My daughter now swims for AGUA. I am grateful for the community.
Peyton Werner
What inspired you to run the NYC half marathon?
Having just finished one athletic career, I felt a sense of loss transitioning from the intense striving and clear goals associated with being part of a team to having nothing. The half marathon seemed like a good transition goal, helping me move from D1 athletics to learning how to train for myself and on behalf of my new team, Asphalt Green.
Why did you want to run with team Asphalt Green?
First, I work for Asphalt Green, but more importantly, I truly believe in their mission of transforming lives and building community through sports, fitness, and play for all. Athletics has given me incredible opportunities in life—opportunities I wouldn’t have been able to afford otherwise. Even more importantly, it has provided me with a community I can rely on during both my toughest and happiest moments.
What do you love about running?
Flow! Before I started running, I was a distance swimmer, and there’s something uniquely satisfying about finding a rhythm. Whether I’m on my own or in sync with a partner, there’s a profound sense of being fully present in the moment. It’s as if my surroundings fade away, my eyes might as well be closed, and my mind becomes completely quiet.
Sabrina Nieves
What inspired you to run the NYC half marathon?
I had the privilege of being within walking distance of the marathon last year, and I was so moved by the community cheering and rallying around all of the racers. The energy was incredible, and I knew I’d want to be a part of that again.
Why did you want to run with team Asphalt Green?
Community! This is my gym, and while I haven’t been here that long, I’d love to represent a place that’s made me feel welcome.
Nelson PeÑa
What inspired you to run the NYC half marathon?
The opportunity to run through Brooklyn, across the Brooklyn Bridge along the FDR, through Times Square and Central Park.
Why did you want to run with team Asphalt Green?
I believe strongly in Asphalt Green’s mission and want to support its efforts.
Sonal Thakker
What inspired you to run the NYC half marathon?
I have ran it before and I can still feel the energy and spirit of the NYC community!
Why did you want to run with team Asphalt Green?
Asphalt Green swim coaches, families, and staff make up our second home. We clock in many hours at Asphalt Green staying fit!
Why are sports and fitness important?
Sports and fitness are gifts we give ourselves that give back today, tomorrow, and 25 years from now.
Chris Cassels
What inspired or motivated you to run the NYC half marathon?
I’ve run it in past years and it’s always a joy to see the entire city out supporting each other!
Why are sports and fitness important?
You can build lifelong bonds through sport, some of my oldest friends I have to this day I met playing sports as a kid.
