Meet Our 2023 #TeamHFNY Marathon Runners

For a third year, HFNY is an official charity partner with the 2023 TCS NYC Marathon! Right now, 10 #TeamHFNY runners are still training for Sunday, November 5. Everyone is a first-time NYC marathon runner, but many have run other races before.

Get to know our runners below!

 

 Amber Field

"I would love nothing more than to combine my love of running with my love of ministry."

Amber has loved blossoming as a runner, consistently running 4-5 times weekly and avidly participating in various runs and half marathons. A current Renaissance Church member and a mom of two daughters, she has enjoyed showing them how focus and training can help them reach all goals.

Amber believes volunteering is a way to show God's love and joy. She's cooked dinner at The Bowery Mission Women's Center, served breakfast and led devotionals at St. Paul's House, and has been an Outreach Team Leader at Don't Walk By. She shares, "I would love nothing more than to combine my love of running with my love of ministry."

 

Sam Pritt and Kathryn Romanchuk

"I'm ready to give 100%: both to marathon training, and to fundraising for HFNY."

Sam and Kathryn are married and running together this year! Neither of them are strangers to running marathons or fundraising through athletic events. Last year, they both trained together to run the NYC Summer Half Marathon.

Sam has also ran the Baltimore Marathon while Kathryn has been part of Cycle for Survival to raise funds for rare cancer research. Sam shares, "I'm ready to give 100%: both to marathon training, and to fundraising for HFNY" while Kathryn says, "I'm excited for the opportunity to run on behalf of HFNY because I have a deep connection with its mission and vision."

The couple attends Redeemer East Side and have volunteered with New York Road Runners. For both Sam and Kathryn, running the Marathon is a dream come true and partnership with HFNY is a way to make a positive change in our city.

 

Michelle Kwok

"I would love the opportunity to fundraise for HFNY through the marathon!"

Michelle joins her sister, Monica, in running the NYC Marathon for the first time! Before moving to the west coast, Michelle attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church and worked at Avail (then known as the Midtown Pregnancy Support Center).

Michelle has continued to support HFNY through the years and is excited to share how we provide for the poor and marginalized to her own network. She shares, "I would love the opportunity to reconnect with Redeemer friends as well as fundraise for HFNY through the marathon!"

 

Alex Chi

"I am excited to run with team HFNY and help our fellow New Yorkers in need."

Alex is a born and raised lifelong New Yorker. Running the NYC marathon has been on his bucket list and the time has come as he celebrated his 50th birthday milestone this year.

As a long-time supporter of Hope for New York, Alex attends Redeemer Downtown and is dedicated to helping fellow New Yorkers in need. He shares, "There are few things that embody NYC more than the marathon, so running for HFNY and its Christian faith based mission to help New Yorkers would be a perfect intersection."

 

Will Eiffert

"I want to run on behalf of HFNY because of my love for running, NYC, and Jesus."

Will began running a few years ago and has discovered a genuine love for the motion of running (and the runner's high)! He's also found running a valuable time for reflection, prayer, and seeing the beauty of God's creation in the city.

Will attends Redeemer Lincoln Square and has served meals with The Bowery Mission, which showed him the importance of providing agency of choice, respect, and decency to fellow New Yorkers in need. He sums it up best in sharing, "I want to run on behalf of HFNY because of my love for running, NYC, and Jesus."

 

Lanna Chan

"God has showed me how running and training is just like our walk with Him."

Now based on the west coast, Lanna also attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church when she lived in New York. Lanna is a long-time supporter who has participated in His Toy Store and our Community Grants Circle program. She believes that New York is a unique place filled with people who represent God's love, and the work of HFNY is key in bringing people one step closer to experiencing God's love.

During the pandemic, Lanna began running the equivalent of a marathon on a high school track, and is looking forward to running the real race! She shares, "God has showed me how running and training is just like our walk with Him; we need to dedicate time and have a plan each day. He blesses me each day I can run."

 

Myungin Lee

"It's an honor to join the HFNY team and play a very, very small part in helping the organization carry out its mission in this city that I love."

Myungin has lived in seven different New York City zip codes, which has given him a unique opportunity to develop a heart for marginalized communities in our city.

He was first connected to HFNY affiliate partners through the Redeemer church network; as a current Exilic Church congregant, Myungin has served with The Bowery Mission, The Father's Heart, and St. Paul's House and as part of His Toy Store. He began running only a year ago and is committed to reaching a Marathon milestone while showcasing the work of HFNY affiliates. He shares, "It's an honor to join the HFNY team and play a very, very small part in helping the organization carry out its mission in this city that I love."

 

Eun Hae Lee

"I am proud to run the marathon, but even more so running for an organization I believe in and support."

Eun Hae first got to know Hope for New York through volunteering at The Bowery Mission and Camp Shiloh (part of Shiloh NYC).

A faithful supporter of Hope for New York who's also been part of our Community Grants Circle program, Eun Hae is also a congregant at Redeemer Lincoln Square. She shares, "I am proud to run the marathon, but even more so running for an organization I believe in and support."

 

Monica Tai

"I keep tabs on HFNY to watch its growth and help pray for its mission."

Monica joins her sister, Michelle, in running this year's marathon! Before moving out of the city, Monica attended Redeemer Presbyterian Church and volunteered with Hope for New York. She served meals at The Bowery Mission, provided career counseling at The Bowery Mission Women's Center, and connected with the homeless community through Don't Walk By.

Both sisters are excited to experience the marathon together and also shine more light on the work of Hope for New York affiliates. She shares, "I keep tabs on HFNY to watch its growth and help pray for its mission."

 

Paul Carethers

"What's even more exciting than running the marathon is that I'll be running to raise money for Hope for New York."

Paul is a friend of fellow runner Amber and also an avid runner who's running the NYC Marathon for the first time. Paul shares, "What's even more exciting than running the marathon is that I'll be running to raise money for Hope for New York."

 

 

 

Want to encourage #TeamHFNY through giving? Visit: hfny.org/marathon