Families Running Together with Team for Kids
Since 2002, NYRR Team for Kids (TFK) runners have added meaning to their miles by supporting programs that serve runners of all ages and abilities across the country. Some have been involved with TFK for many years and because of the impact the program has had on them, they've encouraged family members to join as well. We spoke with two families who are running this year's 2022 TCS New York City Marathon together. Read their inspiring stories below.
To learn more about Team for Kids and how to get involved, visit runwithtfk.org.
A Father-Daughter Duo Does It Again
Mark Shapiro began running with TFK in 2010. Back then he dreamed of running a marathon and wanted to combine his passion for running with the desire to promote health and well-being for youth. Since then, he has run the New York City Marathon 11 times with TFK, raising nearly $30,000. Last year, his daughter, Danielle Shapiro, joined him on his journey to run and raise funds for TFK. They crossed the finish line of the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon together and plan to run again this year.
Mark Shapiro
How has TFK impacted your life?
TFK has provided the motivation to keep running as I approach my 13th marathon. The desire to provide essential support for youth, specifically in underserved communities, has been directly related to the efforts of the entire TFK organization.
What would you tell someone who is considering running with TFK?
Besides the obvious benefit of helping youth, the most special aspect of TFK is the individuals that comprise the organization—from the trainers and coaches through the entire administrative team. The passion that is exhibited by every person involved is truly heartwarming and has provided me with lifelong inspiration.
What's your best fundraising and/or training tip for other TFK runners?
My best training advice is to embrace and most importantly enjoy the entire experience, no matter how grueling the long training runs and hours of preparation are. NYC on marathon day is an electric place and there is no other event in the world where you will feel millions of strangers cheer you on. The energy of the crowd will carry you forward to the most exciting place on earth—the finish line of the New York City Marathon.
What did it mean to you to run the TCS New York City Marathon with your daughter in 2021?
Being able to participate in one of the greatest sporting events with my daughter, step by step from start to finish, was an experience that will never be forgotten. [I felt] a sense of intense pride as we crossed the finish line hand in hand. I looked at my daughter, fighting back tears, exclaiming "We did it!"
Danielle Shapiro
What inspired you to run with TFK?
For 11 years I watched my dad run the New York City Marathon with TFK and was more and more impressed each time. The way the charity would treat him, provide training guidance, and race-day prep was unmatched and I wanted to experience the support and magic of TFK myself.
What are your earliest or most special memories of your dad running the New York City Marathon with TFK?
I was a track and cross country runner in high school so I had a connection to the sport. I remember telling my coach that I had watched my dad cross the finish line of his first marathon and how impressed [my coach] was. I have never felt more proud or impressed than watching my dad finish his first marathon from the bleachers in Central Park. I wanted to shout it from the rooftops that MY dad ran the NYC Marathon. And sending that same coach a text seven years later telling him that I was running the marathon was the best feeling.
What was your favorite moment running the 2021 TCS New York City Marathon?
I often find myself describing my experience saying that I felt like a celebrity. There is no music that could have gotten me pumped up like the crowds cheering my name for four hours straight. Also seeing my family, friends, and 17-year-old pup at mile 17!
How has being part of TFK impacted your life?
Learning to work so hard for something that not only positively impacts me and my life, but so many children. I have a strong passion for health and wellness and just received my master’s in public health nutrition. Learning about childhood obesity and the importance of healthy habits early in life aligns with TFK's mission and I am grateful to be able to contribute.
A Son Encourages His Mother to Run
Zubin Jariwala started fundraising for Team for Kids while training for the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon and has been an active member ever since. He is currently a TFK mentor who volunteers to support TFK staff, coaches, and new runners. This year, his mother, Nalini Jariwala, will also be running and raising funds for TFK as mother and son toe the line at the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon.
Nalini Jariwala
What inspired you to sign up to run with TFK?
I've seen how much my son enjoys training with TFK every year, how highly he speaks of the coaches, and how much they've helped him improve in running the marathon. I was also inspired by the work TFK does for the community, especially in raising funds for youth athletics throughout the city.
What has been your favorite TFK experience or moment?
Running Summer Streets. It was great seeing everyone in their green singlets along with the rest of the city running through the streets. I really enjoyed the camaraderie of all the different pace groups cheering for each other as they passed by.
How has being part of TFK impacted your life?
Following the TFK training plan has provided me with a lot of structure and made me very regimented in my training. Since this is my first marathon, I want to make sure that I try my hardest and put in my best effort, so I've been following everything that the coaches have been telling us to do. Being part of TFK has made me realize I could do things I didn't think I was capable of before and has made me mentally and physically stronger.
What would you tell someone who was considering running with TFK?
I would tell them that it's an excellent program for runners of all abilities. I was concerned because I'm relatively new to running, but the coaches and mentors provide great support and guidance for all levels. And in addition to being part of a great training program and network of people, you're also supporting an organization that provides valuable programs to the community.
Zubin Jariwala
What inspired you to sign up to run with TFK?
I had come across TFK on the NYRR website, and after reading about their mission and programs that they provide to the youth running community, I was inspired to sign up. I started running in high school and running has been a very positive part of my life since then as I was fortunate to have great coaches and teammates.
What has been your favorite TFK experience and/or moment?
In 2015, I was having a difficult marathon—I cramped up badly and was struggling near the end of the race. When I got into the park, Coach Glen saw me and immediately recognized that I was in bad shape and needed a bit of a push to get to the end. He stayed with me, constantly encouraging me to keep going no matter how badly I just wanted to stop. When I crossed the finish line, one of my mentors from my first year with TFK was volunteering, and she pulled me to the TFK tent as my legs continued to cramp. I'll never forget how important the TFK community was that day in getting me across the finish line.
What does it mean to you that your mother has joined TFK?
I'm so proud of my mom for taking on the challenge to run the marathon, and I couldn't be more excited for her to run it with TFK. We used to run the Japan Day 4-miler together every year since it fell on Mother's Day weekend. It’s amazing to see how far she's come both physically and her confidence in herself. I look forward to coming to practice with her every week, cheering her on as she does her speed workouts or hill repeats. I'll always remember this training season with her and can't wait to see her cross the finish line!
How has being part of TFK impacted your life?
TFK has been a positive impact on my life both physically and mentally. Some of my closest friends are from TFK as we've traveled together to run races around the world and logging hundreds of miles together every year training for the marathon. The support that coaches and fellow runners provide each other is immeasurable, whether it’s on race day or through a long arduous training cycle. Marathon Sunday is my favorite day of the year and it's largely because of my involvement with TFK.
What inspired you to become a TFK mentor?
The impact that my mentors had on me during my first year with TFK in 2014 inspired me to become a mentor. I remember how welcome they made me feel during practice, how much more enjoyable the difficult workouts were with them encouraging me and running with me, and how they always made sure to get me through the tough runs and prepared for race day. As I came to enjoy the marathon, I wanted to be able to provide that same support to new runners and make sure they enjoyed the training cycle and race day as much as I do.
What would you tell someone who was considering running with TFK?
Don't hesitate and sign up! You'll never regret running with this great group of coaches and mentors, all while supporting an important cause in the community. Running the marathon is much more enjoyable with TFK, you'll benefit immensely from the training plan, and you'll make lifelong friends.