TCS New York City Marathon Launches Campaign Honoring Inspirational Runners

New York Road Runners (NYRR) announced Team #MovedMe, a group of inspirational runners participating in the TCS New York City Marathon who embody the transformative power of running.

The group will share their own personal journeys and impactful stories through a multi-layered approach with inclusion in the TCS New York City Marathon’s website, brand spots, the televised broadcast on WABC and ESPN, social media and media story-telling. The team consists of change-makers, influencers, passionate supporters of causes and charities, leaders and local heroes. The group of 26 individuals and families will be honored at the TCS New York City Marathon Opening Ceremony presented by United Airlines on November 2.

Team #MovedMe is part of NYRR’s “It Will Move You” campaign, illustrating how the marathon moves more than 50,000 people through New York City’s five boroughs while also emotionally moving family, friends and spectators and encouraging them to take on their own challenges. NYRR selected a group of 26 individuals and families with incredibly unique and distinct stories–with the number of stories reflecting the 26.2 miles of the marathon course.

“Our efforts with Team #MovedMe will provide a platform to spotlight and share the passionate voices of thousands of runners,” said Ronnie Tucker, senior vice president of marketing & digital. “We are proud to recognize this remarkable group who represent the spirit of the TCS New York City Marathon.”

Among the impactful stories of team members, air traffic controller Patrick Harten, who heroically guided Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger’s Miracle on the Hudson, will share his compelling story in the marathon’s digital and video platforms.

Stories on the bonds of family resonate among many of the Team #MovedMe members. FDNY Battalion Chief Joe Downey will run with his nieces, Gina and Nikki Tortorici, to honor his legendary father and their grandfather, Ray Downey, the fallen Deputy Chief of Special Operations for the FDNY who led rescue operations on 9/11. Rochelle Goldschmiedt will pay tribute to her mother by getting an arm henna tattoo of her mother’s Auschwitz number. Additionally, professional competitive eater Yasir Salem is running 50 marathons in 50 states to honor his wife, who passed earlier this year.

Running can help overcome life’s obstacles and provide an outlet for many. Team members who will share their emotional bond with the sport include visually impaired runner Anthony Butler, three-time cancer survivor Pila Cadena, brain cancer survivor Julia Khvasechko and Isis Veronica González Lopez, who was given only a 10 percent chance of surviving after a life-altering accident.

Team #MovedMe will also include Olympians and former pro athletes who are making a difference beyond the sport including the first U.S. Olympic singles luge medalist, Erin Hamlin, and Puerto Rican Olympian Beverly Ramos. The extraordinary wheelchair athletes included on the team are Los Angeles Marathon champion Michelle Wheeler and Glenn Hartrick, the first person to cross the iconic TCS New York City Marathon finish line as a runner, hand cyclist, and in a racing chair.

The efforts of Team #MovedMe will be a powerful platform to inspire, engage and share the personal journey of runners. For the full list of Team #MovedMe members and their incredible backgrounds, please visit Team #MovedMe.