Shaf photoShaf's Road to 26.2
Bib #26.2 · NYC 2026

I'm running 26.2 miles - and bringing my people along for every one of them!

running for real this time.

On November 1, 2026, I'll be somewhere in the middle of the five boroughs, probably talking to myself and thinking about hotpot. Until then, this is where I share the training, the small wins, the ugly long runs, and the people who make it worth doing 💗

$295 raisedof $4,500
7% to goal
Support My RunFollow the Journey

Donations go through my official fundraising page — never processed on this site.

Shaf mid-run
training run · Prospect Park
Personal photo
Why I'm running

This one is personal.

I've never run a marathon. For a long time I told myself I wasn't a runner - I was a person who occasionally jogged and then complained about it. But last year, I made a promise to myself: if I was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 2026 list, I would run the New York City Marathon.

So I'm doing it: 26.2 miles through all five boroughs, on legs that used to think 3 miles was a lot. Along the way I'm raising money for a cause that matters to me personally, and inviting the people I love to be part of the ride.

This site is where I'll share the training weeks, the songs that keep me moving, and the miles I'm dedicating to the people who show up for me. If you're here - you're one of them.

"I may be new to running, but I’m not new to betting on myself!"
Donate on the official page
Why this cause matters

The Cause I'm Supporting

Lifeforce in Later Years

Lifeforce in Later Years

LiLY - Lifeforce in Later Years - is a community-based nonprofit helping older adults in Morningside Heights and West Harlem stay connected, supported, and independent through neighbor-to-neighbor assistance, social activities, care coordination, and local partnerships. As an official charity partner of the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon, Team LiLY is raising funds to strengthen this work across uptown Manhattan. Representing that mission while building a company in the aging space feels incredibly special - and honestly, a little meant to be.

Every mile helps older adults age with dignity, connection, and the support of a caring community.

Support My RunLearn More About the Charity
Where we're at

The count so far

Raised
$295
of $4,500 goal
Training miles
75
of 325 planned
Days to race day
0
2026-11-01
Fundraising progress7%
Dedicate a mile

Every mile carries someone.

Pick a mile and dedicate it to a person, memory, cause, or a message. Donations happen on my official fundraising page — this is just where the dedication lives.

Available Pending Dedicated
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The journey

Latest updates from the road.

No updates yet. Come back soon.

Soundtrack the run

Build My Marathon Playlist

Help choose the songs that will carry me through 26.2 miles.

Choose a Song for My Run
Cheer me on

Words of Encouragement

I'll be reading supporter notes on long-run mornings and on race day itself. Be the first to leave one.

Leave Me Some Encouragement
After you donate

Choose Your Marathon Moment

pick your part →

Donated on the official page? Beautiful. Now choose how you'd like to be part of race day.

Each donation unlocks one primary marathon experience. You may also leave an encouragement message.

Made by hand

Selling My Clay Art

tiny things, big miles.

I’ve always loved creating and finding new ways to stretch my creativity, so I decided to put that energy into making something special for this journey. Each clay keepsake is shaped, painted, and finished by hand - made with care for you to enjoy while supporting my marathon fundraiser.

Batches drop monthly - next batch: late August 2026.

$0 raised through clay so far

See the clay fundraiserReserve a piece
pocket sunshine magnet
pocket sunshine magnet
$18
26.2 heart keychain
26.2 heart keychain
$24
lucky mile fortune cookie
lucky mile fortune cookie
$40