MEET ASPHALT GREEN'S 2026 NYC MARATHON TEAM
Team Asphalt Green is hitting the streets for the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon to support our mission to transform lives and build community through sports, fitness, and play for all.
Every mile our runners cover—and every dollar they raise—helps expand access to free and subsidized programs and scholarships to bring the benefits of sports, fitness, and play to more New Yorkers.
Before race day, we caught up with this year’s Team Asphalt Green runners to hear what inspired them to take on the marathon.
Abraham Vazquez
What inspired or motivated you to run this NYC Marathon?
I’m running the NYC Marathon because I want to set an example for my kids that you can do anything you set your mind to. There is something powerful about showing them that big goals are worth chasing, even when they are hard. The marathon is 26.2 miles of proof that commitment and consistency matter more than talent. If they see me cross that finish line, I hope they carry that lesson with them for the rest of their lives.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
I work for Asphalt Green as Senior Director of Marketing, so this cause is personal to me. Every day I see the impact this organization has on New Yorkers across all ages and backgrounds, from kids learning to swim for the first time to adults finding community through fitness. Running for Team Asphalt Green is a chance to do more than tell that story. It is a chance to live it.
When did you start running?
I have always been active and tried different things over the years, including CrossFit and StrongMan, but running was always my nemesis. Last year, after going through a major burnout, I wanted to try something completely different. I had always heard people talk about what running did for them mentally, and I finally gave it a real shot. What started as a challenge slowly became something I could not imagine my week without. It has been one of the best decisions I have made for my health and my head.
Jordan Teman
What inspired or motivated you to run this NYC Marathon?
As a born and raised New Yorker, I can confidently say there is nothing quite like the energy of the NYC Marathon. It is a monumental event that fosters such a sense of community across the city. Growing up, running a marathon was never something I thought I would be doing. However, when I started running, I quickly realized it fulfilled the sport-like mindset that I had been searching for since I stopped playing competitive soccer. I have completed three half marathons and have loved every second of the hard work and dedication that leads up to race day. I am ready to tackle my next goal and run the NYC Marathon with Asphalt Green!
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
I grew up playing competitive soccer at Asphalt Green and it holds a very special place in my heart. At the age of 11, Asphalt Green quickly became like a second home to me. The soccer field was where I discovered my biggest passion, built lifelong friendships, and learned many lessons both on and off the field. Throughout my many hours of practices, games, and tournaments I learned that hard work truly pays off. Asphalt Green is where I learned to be both a leader and a teammate, through adaptability, communication, and collaboration. I am very excited to run the NYC Marathon with an organization that is so close to my heart and has helped make me the person I am today.
Where is your favorite place to run?
My favorite place to run is definitely Central Park. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s also a great place to practice running on hills.
Rachael Lubitz
What inspired or motivated you to run this NYC Marathon?
As a born-and-raised New Yorker, marathon day has always been incredibly special to me. Every year, my family would line up on Second Avenue to cheer on the runners and I’d dream of joining them on the course someday. This year, after navigating personal health challenges, a new city, and a new job, I finally decided to go for it! In many ways, I’m running to prove to myself that I’m strong and capable of accomplishing hard things. But I’m also running to reconnect with my roots and the sense of community that makes NYC unlike anywhere else.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
Growing up, I was a member of the AGUA Swim Team! Some of my best memories were made with teammates on the pool deck or with my family traveling to away meets. Swim practice gave my weeks structure, challenged me physically, and forged a mental toughness that I still carry with me today. Running this year’s NYC Marathon with Team Asphalt Green is my way of giving back to a community that shaped so much of who I am.
What songs are on your running playlist?
My Spotify is stuck in 2016, so my running playlist features a lot of Justin Bieber and Katy Perry with the occasional ABBA snuck in.
Vaibhav Parmar
What inspired or motivated you to run this NYC Marathon?
NYC is one of the greatest cities in the world. And the NYC Half Marathon is an iconic running event that represents the spirit and the soul of the city. I am inspired to experience the energy and the excitement of the NYC Half Marathon.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
My two nephews have been swimming with Asphalt Green for several years. I see their dedication to the team and the support they get from the organization. I am excited to support Team Asphalt Green and their mission of promoting active and healthy lifestyles.
What songs are on your running playlist?
I don’t run with any music, but my playlist for gym workouts includes a variety of high-energy house, dance, and hip hop music.
Kajal Parmar
What inspired or motivated you to run this NYC Marathon?
I ran the NYC Half this March, and was blown away by the energy and excitement of the city. NYC’s distinctive running culture and community has motivated me to run the NYC Full.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
My cousins have swum with Asphalt Green for several years and are dedicated members of the team. I’m running with Asphalt Green to support their mission of healthy lifestyles driven by fitness.
When did you start running?
I started running when I was 10.
Saul Blain
What inspired or motivated you to run this NYC Marathon?
Last November I watched the NYC Marathon go right by our apartment and got really energized watching. The atmosphere of the spectators and the accomplishment of the runners was exciting and made me want to be a part of it next year.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
I joined Asphalt Green in August of 2025. When looking for a gym in the Yorkville neighborhood, Asphalt Green offered great amenities and I appreciated the nonprofit initiatives my membership was helping fund. I am running this race in honor of my girlfriend’s mother, Eve Hartman, who passed away in 2022. She was a personal trainer who promoted pushing yourself and social initiatives, and swam at Asphalt Green in the past at a Masters swim meet. All those reasons made it feel like running with Asphalt Green would be a good fit.
Where is your favorite place to run?
My favorite place to run in the city is over on Randall’s Island, taking the bridge across the East River and escaping to a quieter part of the city. I like running by the fields filled with people playing sports, underneath the arches of Hell Gate Bridge, and taking in the views of Manhattan.
Peter Taub
What inspired or motivated you to run the NYC Marathon?
Bucket list item. Two sons played for Asphalt Green Soccer!
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
See above.
What songs are on your running playlist?
Country and classic rock.
Fiona Harris
What inspired or motivated you to run the NYC Marathon?
I’ve always wanted to run a marathon. This is my year. My dad ran the Dublin Marathon twice when I was little.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
I’m a member. I love the idea of promoting sport and being healthy in young kids. It’s a great facility and a great cause.
What songs are on your running playlist?
The Stone Roses, and some ’90s British dance/trance tunes.
Jacqueline McCoy
What inspired or motivated you to run the NYC Marathon?
I am an avid runner and NYC is the ultimate marathon. The vibes, the sights, the people. All of it is said to be as magical as the city itself. I want to personally experience it.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
I am a member of Asphalt Green and love the amount of opportunity it gives the community to stay active and part of something. Sports and athletics make people better and Asphalt Green provides an amazing facility to let this happen.
When did you start running?
I started running 13 years ago. I’ve run over 36 half marathons (NYC and Brooklyn this year!) and decided this is my year to do my first full!
Katelyn Coleman
What inspired or motivated you to run the NYC Marathon?
Watching the NYC Marathon every year is my personal Super Bowl! I have always been inspired by the determination and resilience of every single runner. I am excited to run for the Asphalt Green team and help expand access to sports and fitness across NYC communities.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
I am a proud Upper East Side Asphalt Green member!
Where is your favorite place to run?
Central Park and Long Beach Island, NJ.
Dominic Cluclas
What inspired or motivated you to run the NYC Marathon?
As I grew into distance running, I found myself in pursuit of participating in all six (now seven) Abbott World Marathon Majors as a life goal.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
Exercise has been transformative in my own life, and running with Team Asphalt Green lets me support the mission of everyone having access to the power of sport, fitness, and play.
Where is your favorite place to run?
Katy Trail State Park in the fall. You get both a scenic nature trail and a generally flat, maintained path for those long-distance miles.
Lucy Shi
What inspired or motivated you to run the NYC Marathon?
I am a long-time runner since high school and have been long-distance road running since college. Running a marathon has always been a goal of mine, and as a native New Yorker, I couldn’t imagine a better opportunity to fulfill that goal.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
I swam for AGUA for many years while in high school. I credit my years at Asphalt Green for my love of athletics and for teaching me the importance of dedication and perseverance. In addition, having gone to school on the Upper East Side, I know firsthand how important Asphalt Green is as an institution in bringing together the community, and I hope to share that with future generations.
When did you start running?
Since high school, so for almost 20 years now.
Will Rappaport
What inspired or motivated you to run the NYC Marathon?
This will be my fourth race and I’m excited to represent my health club.
When did you start running?
I started running in 2020.
Paige Herman
What inspired or motivated you to run the NYC Marathon?
I have watched the NYC Marathon for many years, having grown up in New York City, and each year I am inspired by the runners and the incredible energy the race brings to the city. There is a strong sense of community among the runners, as well as an overwhelming outpouring of support from the spectators lining the course. Watching this event has always filled me with admiration, and I wanted the opportunity to experience that same exhilaration, determination, and sense of accomplishment by running the marathon myself.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green? Do you have any connections to us?
I believe in Asphalt Green’s mission to make sports and fitness accessible to all. As an educator, I have seen the life-changing benefits of providing this to kids to help them build their confidence and offer them a sense of belonging. It is a privilege to be a part of Asphalt Green’s 2026 Marathon Team and support them in this goal!
Where is your favorite place to run?
Along the water in Astoria Park.
Lauren Hunt
What inspired or motivated you to run this NYC road race?
A combination of meaningful milestones, most notably celebrating my tenth year at Asphalt Green and the 50th anniversary of the NYC Marathon’s iconic five-borough course. It felt like the perfect opportunity to honor both while taking on a new personal challenge.
Why did you want to run with Team Asphalt Green – do you have any connections to us?
Asphalt Green is woven into the fabric of so many New Yorkers’ lives. Having witnessed its impact firsthand, running for Team Asphalt Green felt like a meaningful way to celebrate and contribute to that legacy.
Where is your favorite place to run?
Liberty State Park in Jersey City
