The GOAL USA 2013 New York City Marathon Team ran 26.2 miles through all five city boroughs on Sunday November 3rd, and raised over $22,000 for GOAL’s humanitarian programs. This was a fantastic achievement by these dedicated supporters. We would like to sincerely thank our marathon runners, Paul Byrom, Daniel McLean, Nichola McElroy, Lauren O’ Meara and Rory McDonald for their huge efforts and hard work. A big thank you is also due to the generous donors who supported our runners. Our NYC runners were joined by GOAL staff members James Kelly and Darren Hanniffy, both of whom had ran the Dublin marathon the previous week.
Paul Byrom, Ireland’s premier tenor, shared some of his thoughts about the marathon.
“The race was an unbelievable experience. My best NY experience since moving here four years ago. The moment we came into Brooklyn and encountered the street support for the first time was hair-raising. As a first-time marathon runner, I was smiling from ear-to-ear with the support from complete strangers. NYC really is a special place, with very special people full of heart and energy.
Although my training had been hampered by knee trouble, I soldiered through in 4 hours, 41 minutes. This was, I believe, purely down to the support on the streets and more importantly from the support I got through donations to GOAL.
After traveling to Calcutta in India, with GOAL and seeing firsthand how the Goalies do their work and how they help those who really have been forgotten by the better-off in the world, I didn’t think twice when asked to run for them in this year’s NYC marathon. I’ve seen where the money raised goes. I’ve seen that every penny makes a huge difference. Whether it be for a water pump in a village or electricity for those who were in dark after sunset. To see the education they are bringing to street children, and putting a roof over their heads and food in their bellies, makes me proud to be associated to GOAL. I will continue to support them. However, I'm retiring from marathon running. Next year I'll be cheering from the side of the street.”
Photos of the team can be viewed here.
If you are interested in joining GOAL USA’s 2014 NYC Marathon team please contact Elaine: eryankennedy@us.goal.ie | +1.212.831.7420
