Anibal Montes Is Putting Purpose Behind His Miles

Growing up in Colombia in the 1990s, Anibal Montes and his family faced death threats amidst a culture of drug-related violence. Anibal moved to Miami at age 18 and joined two of his siblings to pursue a better life abroad. With a bag full of dreams, he knocked on the door of the Miami Dade College president to explain his situation and express his interest in higher education. He was admitted to MDC's Honors College, and after two years his academic and extracurricular achievements landed him a full-ride scholarship to Georgetown University via the Georgetown Scholarship Program. There he continued to excel, graduating with a double-major in Finance and Accounting and a minor in Entrepreneurship, and becoming a mentor for high school students seeking to overcome the financial barriers of attending college.

After a stint in NYC working for J.P. Morgan, Anibal returned to Miami in 2019 to pursue a purpose-driven career in health and wellness private equity, and he continues to mentor young kids who are finding their place in the world. He returns to Colombia every year to visit his family.

Encouraged by his wife, who ran the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon, Anibal started running a few years ago and will run his first marathon on November 6 with NYRR Team for Kids.

For Anibal, 34, New York represents grit, hope, and new beginnings. Preparing to run the TCS New York City Marathon reinforces his belief in human capability. “Running the New York City Marathon serves as a reminder that no matter how hard things get, it’s always you against you, and you can change the course of your life,” he said.

“Team For Kids’ mission spoke to me,” he added. “I’m excited to put purpose behind my miles.”

Anibal is part of #TeamInspire at the 2022 TCS New York City Marathon, a diverse group of runners whose stories capture the power of running to change lives.