Matt's Big Apple Half Marathon for Charity

Short description: I’ll be participating in the NYCRuns Big Apple Half Marathon on Saturday, December 14th. I’ll be running in support of two foundations that are dear to me: Surgicorps International and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Please consider donating to spur on my race and support these great causes!

Longer backstory: while on a trip to Australia this summer, I participated in the Adelaide 10k after losing a wager to a friend the night before. I was woefully unprepared, but finished the race and was inspired by the event’s camaraderie and the drive of my fellow runners. Upon returning to New York and researching races, I discovered the Big Apple Half Marathon, one of the city’s top running events consisting of two loops through Central Park. I registered in September and began training this fall.

Surgicorps (https://surgicorps.org) is a Pittsburgh-based organization that provides free surgical and medical care to people in need in developing countries. During the summer of 2013, my dad and I traveled to southern Africa to be part of the annual Surgicorps Zambia trip. The team, led by Dr. Jack Demos and Linda Esposto, performed dozens of surgeries and provided medical care to numerous children from around the country. Witnessing the team’s effects on these children, many of whom suffered from untreated bushfire wounds and cleft palates, was profoundly moving and we’ve been strong supporters of the organization ever since.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (https://afsp.org) is a leading nonprofit dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. It focuses on advocacy, education, research, and community support to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and prevent suicide. Through nationwide programs, resources, and events like "Out of the Darkness" walks, AFSP connects individuals, families, and communities to foster understanding and healing.

Please consider donating to spur on my race and support these great causes! Thank you.

Additional details:

- Race website: https://nycruns.com/race/nycruns-big-apple-half-marathon

- Start time: 8am

- Pace goal: <9min per mile (~2 hours total)