Marathon Volunteer Leader Nomi Dubovci: “Get Out There and Make Someone Happy”

In 2016, Njomza (Nomi) Dubovci joined NYRR and began running races. Soon enough, thoughts of running the TCS New York City Marathon took hold. A friend told her about the 9+1 program, which allows runners to earn guaranteed entry to the marathon by running nine NYRR races and volunteering once during a calendar year.

Nomi fulfilled the program requirements, and in 2017 she ran the marathon. She’s run a total of 73 in-person and virtual NYRR races to date. She’s also enthusiastically embraced volunteering with NYRR, becoming a Volunteer leader who trains and oversees volunteer groups. 

Volunteering comes naturally to Nomi, 35, who lives in Brooklyn. “My biggest motivation was my mother,” she said. “As a kid I’d see her helping others, and she always used to say that when you help someone, they become happy. I never understood that until I started to volunteer myself.”

“A society can only work well when everyone contributes something to it,” she noted. “To see other people happy and thankful motivates me.”

The cancellation of the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon hit her hard. “To be honest, I cried,” she said, though she understood the rationale. “When l think about my safety and others’ safety, l am fine with the marathon being canceled.”

While she’ll miss running through the five boroughs—as well as volunteering at the expo and meeting runners from around the world—she’s planning to run the Virtual TCS New York City Marathon and making the most of the experience.

“We have to learn how to switch gears," she said. "We can still have fun. Do what you can with what you have—find a training plan, have a friend join you, even if it’s from afar, and can keep each other accountable.”

When the pandemic hit, Nomi looked for opportunities to help others. “My question to myself was: What can l do to support my community during COVID-19?” she said. “I was scared, but at the same time I couldn't stop thinking and trying to find ways to help those in need.”

She started distributing masks with NYRR and NYC Parks in Prospect Park. “It felt good being out there helping others,” she said, so when she heard that the relief access program RAP4BRONX needed help organizing volunteers, she didn’t hesitate. “I only thought about finding out how to get there and support the community,” she said.

“Every Wednesday l am there as a team leader, making sure the community gets help,” she said. “Every time, it brings back feelings from Marathon Sunday. The greatest support we get during the marathon is from the Bronx community. I’m happy to be there and give back.”

“Now is the time more than ever to help one another,” she added. “Find a cause that you care about, then get out there and make someone happy. Feel confident that you’ve got what it takes. If you make a commitment to a volunteer organization, make sure you can follow through. The number one thing is the energy you bring to the table. When you are enthusiastic about the cause, your energy will be contagious.”

It’s not much different from running, she noted. “Don’t let anything stop you. We are runners, and we are unstoppable.”