This year, more than 2 million people showed up for the NYC Marathon, including Brooklyn runners and spectators cheering on loved ones from the sidelines.
Crowds stretching from the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge to the finish line in Central Park, and the race gave runners a chance not only to challenge themselves personally, but also to promote change.
Earlier this year, 2026 NYC Marathon runner and Crown Heights resident, Miraj Mehta, met with New York City-based running nonprofit, New York Road Runners, in Prospect Park.
“I saw the power communities have to bring people together,” Mehta said. “Sometimes all it takes to get into a hobby or a lifestyle is that first step, an introduction and access to information, resources and most importantly, people who will join you, support and guide you."
After that introduction, Mehta soon threw himself into consistent strength training and physical therapy, including participating in NYRR’s running events, to train for future races.
He ran the NYC Half Marathon to raise funds for PENCIL, a nonprofit that raises awareness about public education by connecting local leaders to New York City public schools.
Mehta wanted to keep up the momentum and soon discovered the Miles that Matter Award, created by Team Citizens.
The award honored five New Yorkers, one from each borough, who demonstrated notable commitments to their communities.
Wearing the green Citizens bib, Team Citizens members can participate in the program, which recognizes one marathon runner from each borough and gives $100,000 total to each runner’s respective nonprofit.
As the Brooklyn borough honoree, Mehta chose to run for Beginning with Children, a nonprofit and public charter school network that provides free public education to low-income urban communities to break the cycle of poverty.
Having previously worked with another education-based nonprofit PENCIL, Mehta wanted to promote and raise funds for accessible education for children in Brooklyn.
“I saw an opportunity to run for a cause that is personal to me, and make running through my own city and borough even more special,” Mehta said.
Mehta’s passion for accessibility, particularly for sports like running, extends beyond the classroom. With a lack of structured programs in his own life growing up, Mehta’s introduction to running showed him how access – whether that be to an activity or a community – can influence someone’s life trajectory.
While runners like Mehta participated in the marathon to raise awareness for their chosen causes, the race also gave Brooklynites a chance to challenge themselves personally.
At the 2026 Marathon, Mehta finished the 26.2-mile race in just under five hours.
For Stas Gus of Bensonhurst and Anna Vuskkrikidze of Park Slope, the marathon was a chance for them to cheer from the sidelines in support of their friend.
“She’s been working very hard for it, so we’re happy to see her finally achieve her goals,” said Gus.
“It reminds me of why I’m happy to be a New Yorker,” Vuskkrikidze added. “Because everyone’s so enthusiastic and cheering on even strangers.”
