2024 TCS New York City Marathon Recap

November 3, 2024, New York, NY

We are beyond thrilled to share that DMF Youth has just wrapped up its first year as an official charity partner for the 2024 TCS NYC Marathon—and what an incredible milestone it has been!

This year’s marathon was a resounding success, thanks to the unwavering dedication of our runners, supporters, and volunteers. Together, we raised an astonishing $25,212 to support our programs! These funds will make a tangible difference in the lives of underserved youth, empowering them through the transformative power of arts education and social-emotional learning.

A huge shoutout to our phenomenal Team DMF Youth runners—Shannon, Justin, Henry, Courtney, Jenny, and Annie—who gave it their all, both on the racecourse and in their fundraising efforts. Your passion, perseverance, and belief in our mission inspire us all!

Highlights from the Journey

Being selected as a first-year charity partner with NYRR was an honor and a testament to the important work DMF Youth is doing in the community. This opportunity allowed us to expand our reach, connect with new advocates, and showcase the impact of our programs to a broader audience.

For our runners, this journey wasn’t just about crossing the finish line; it was about running for a purpose greater than themselves. As runner Courtney Kessler so beautifully put it:

“I was so honored to have been able to raise funds for such a deserving cause. Learning more about and experiencing the impact that DMF has over the last six months has truly shown what a remarkable difference positivity can make in someone’s life—or even in an activity. Every time I doubted myself or wasn’t as excited for a run, I looked at the videos sent to me of the kids so determined and enthusiastic. It reminded me of that impact. I’m so thankful for the awesome humans that are part of DMF!”

    A Day to Remember

    “Running with DMF was so much more than just running the marathon. It was a unique opportunity for me to combine two very important things in my life. Running which has become such an important outlet and release for me and theatre which has gone from something I thought was cool in the 7th grade to my career! Being able to channel both these things and raise some money for DMF was something that inspired me the whole way!” – Justin Petito

    “I was truly honored to be part of DMF’s inaugural NYC Marathon team. Running for an organization that spreads positivity through movement, especially during challenging times, was incredibly meaningful to me. Throughout my training, I found myself drawing on the very tools we teach the kids in our programs—using those lessons to push through moments of self-doubt. Running for DMF gave me a deep sense of purpose and reminded me of the power of perseverance and community.”- Shannon Petito

    What This Means for DMF Youth

    The funds raised through the marathon will help us continue delivering high-impact afterschool programs, summer camps, and workshops that empower underserved youth to thrive emotionally, physically, and academically. By blending arts education with social-emotional learning, DMF Youth builds essential life skills like goal setting, mindfulness, and resilience—tools our students will carry with them for a lifetime.

    Looking Ahead

    This year’s marathon was hopefully just the beginning of our partnership with NYRR. We’re already looking ahead to next year, excited to grow Team DMF Youth and continue building on this incredible foundation.

    To everyone who supported us along the way—whether you ran, donated, cheered from the sidelines, or shared our mission—thank you. You’ve helped us take a significant step toward creating brighter futures for the youth we serve.

    Here’s to many more miles of impact, inspiration, and community!

    #TeamDMFYouth #TCSNYCMarathon #BuildingLeaders #RunningForACause

    Want to lace up for DMF Youth next year? Contact our operations associate at shannon@dmfyouth.org to secure your spot on our runner’s mailing list. Don’t forget to share why you’re eager to run for us!

    Join us in making strides for youth empowerment and community impact. Let’s run together towards a brighter future!