After watching the NYC Marathon last year and seeing all of those who train, compete, and experience the excitement of running through the city, the UA Half Marathon was on my bucket list. I knew some people running in the race and running through Times Square is too good to pass up, so I signed up! I’ve run plenty of races (5k, 10k, Half Marathons) and have done numerous other fundraisers for charities (Plane Pull for Special Olympics, St. Baldricks, etc.) in the past. When browsing the list of charity partners from NYRR, the one that really stuck out to me was “Stomp The Monster.” It sounded different, so I decided to give it a click.

I began to read more about this organization that Seth Grumet founded. He recapped his diagnosis while training for an Ironman, his daughter telling him to STOMP out the Monster (his cancer), and his resilience to fight and support others going through this journey was inspiring to me. He’s raised more than $2 million in grants & helped over 6,300 cancer patients since his organization was founded. All this time it was happening right next door to me in Monmouth County, NJ.

Being a New Jersey native AND growing up in a neighboring county, I felt this was the perfect organization to run for. Knowing that they provide financial & other support to those battling cancer and dealing with the stresses that come along with it, I look forward to supporting this organization now and in the future. Please share, donate, or come out during race day for myself and all the other runners who are racing for one of these great causes!