Cheer on these Cornellians participating in the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 3!
RUNNING ON BEHALF OF NYC CORNELLIANS:
Arianna Kohilakis ’22
College: Cornell CALS, Cornell Bowers CIS
New York, NY“One of my favorite parts of Ithaca were all the beautiful hiking trails and gorges, which really fostered my appreciation for the outdoors and got me into running. I had the pleasure of running the NYC Marathon last year and have been excited about the prospect of running again ever since I crossed the finish line. I am so grateful to NYC Cornellians for the opportunity to participate again in this quintessential NYC day and to represent Big Red.”
RUNNING ON BEHALF OF NYC CORNELLIANS:
Stephen Kurczewski ’97
College: Cornell Human Ecology
Cos Cob, CT“The day I received the email notification about the NYC Cornellian marathon entries came shortly after I learned that my business partner’s son had been accepted to Cornell. I was swimming in fond memories of my Cornell experience after having written a recommendation letter for him. The extent of my ongoing connection to Cornell was attending a Cornell-Yale hockey game every year and maintaining strong relationships with a handful of my rugby teammates. Running and raising money for Team Big Red is a perfect opportunity for me to re-engage with my alma mater! I’ve run many marathons, run 30–50 miles per week for “fun” and have had a few successful fundraising campaigns for previous endurance event entries.
I’m really excited to be a part of the inaugural NYC Cornellian marathon team to meet new fellow alumni, establish a strong fundraising benchmark and generally beam with Big Red pride.”
RUNNING ON BEHALF OF NYC CORNELLIANS:
Cody Levine ’13
College: Cornell CALS
Purchase, NY“Running the NYC Marathon is more than just crossing the finish line—it’s about pushing myself to new limits and celebrating the resilience and determination I’ve cultivated throughout my life. Endurance sports have become the closest experience to the ‘game day’ energy I once felt playing lacrosse, and the NYC Marathon represents a new frontier for that same competitive spirit. It’s also an opportunity to give back, raise awareness for causes I care deeply about, and share my journey with a broader community.
Having the Cornell community cheering me on during the marathon is an incredibly powerful motivator. The lessons I learned during my time at Cornell, particularly through my experience as a student-athlete, have stayed with me throughout my professional and personal life. Knowing that my Cornell family will be there to support me during the race reminds me of the strength of this community and how it continues to shape who I am. It will be a source of inspiration and energy on race day.”
RUNNING ON BEHALF OF NYC CORNELLIANS:
Molly Mandel ’17
College: Cornell CALS
New York, NY“I’m so excited to be running the marathon with NYC Cornellians. Running has been a passion of mine since childhood. At 8 years old, I ran my first 5K with my dad, supporting my hometown (Woodcliff Lake, NJ!) Board of Education. We kept running local 5Ks and 10Ks around the county, and my running continued through cross country and track in high school, and then running recreationally around beautiful Ithaca during my time at Cornell. I ran my first marathon senior year at Cornell, and some of my favorite memories of college include running through the Cornell Botanic Gardens.
I’ve been fortunate to run the NYC Marathon for the past two years, and this year I’m thrilled to be running with a bigger purpose—raising money for Cornell scholarships through NYC Cornellians. The NYC Marathon holds a special place in my heart because of the overwhelming support from family and friends along the course. Having the Cornell community cheering me on this year will be such a boost and make this experience even more meaningful.
For me, running is about dedicating time to myself and my health, exploring the world and the outdoors around me, and pushing my limits. This marathon is a way for me to give back to a place that had such a life-changing impact on my journey. I want to ensure that future generations of students have the same opportunity to experience Cornell, regardless of financial barriers. With your help, I hope to raise as much as I can to support Cornell scholarships. Thank you so much for your support, and I can’t wait to see you on race day!”
RUNNING ON BEHALF OF NYC CORNELLIANS:
Melissa Rudder MHA ’22
College: Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy
Greenport, NY“In 2018, Melissa ran the NYC Marathon, remembering it as ‘the second-best day of my life, first of course is the day my son was born.’ Her inspiration to run again was having that third-best day! ‘Words can’t describe the feeling you have when you cross that finish line after hours of running. I can’t believe I have this opportunity again. It’s not just an opportunity to meet a challenge and an exhausting one at that, but I was chosen to represent one of the world’s best universities… in the world’s best city! And most importantly, we all have been given the opportunity to share blessings and support to the students of NYC schools.’
Much of what kept Melissa going during her first marathon was knowing she had familiar faces calling out her name and cheering on. ‘I remember cheering on the sidelines for years and even as a spectator you somehow catch the uplifting vibrations from the runners. I can’t wait to look up when I am most tired, seeing my Cornelian family, and catching some of those Big Red vibrations!’
Melissa hopes that this will be a great start to an annual initiative and hopes by doing so, students of NYC will also have a life-changing experience because of Cornell.”
Jessica Conte
Cornell University, Alumni Affairs & Development
Greenwich, CT“I’m excited to be running my second NYC Marathon this year! I grew up in Westchester and recently relocated back to the tri-state area… and now I work for the Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development office in NYC. After moving back, I knew I wanted to run the NYC Marathon again this year. I’m excited to be running for New York Road Runners’ Team for Kids, which supports youth and community programs such as Rising New York Road Runners, which brings free running and fitness programs to students in NYC and across the country. Special shoutout to the Cornell volunteers out on the course. The runners appreciate all that you do on race day!”
Lauren Darienzo ’98, MS ’23
College: School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell SC Johnson College of Business
Long Beach, NY“I ran my first marathon in NYC in 1998, the year I graduated from Cornell. What started as offseason team training runs my freshman year as a member of Cornell’s Women’s Fencing team quickly became a love of solo runs exploring the campus and Ithaca. Each year that I’ve returned to run the NYC Marathon I think about that first marathon and my early running years and teammates at Cornell. In 2023, I earned an MS in business analytics from Cornell and was able to make some new Cornell running memories exploring Roosevelt Island while studying at Cornell Tech.”
Jack Dempsey MEng ’24
College: Cornell Tech
New York, NY“I run to challenge myself, both in the training regime required to prepare, and the race itself. Running is always a great way to unwind after a long work day.”
Alan Garcia ’12
College: Cornell CALS
New York, NY“I’m running for three incredible causes. I was first inspired to pick up running after a devastating leg injury in 2021. This will be the first time I’m running a marathon. The full story is here on my GoFundMe.”
Mark Hansen ’86
College: Arts and Sciences
Scarsdale, NY“I’m running to raise money for Boston Children’s Hospital in remembrance of a good friend’s daughter. Jim and I met at Cornell in 1982 and have been friends ever since. His daughter was amazing and I’m proud to be running in her name.”
Susan Huang ’06
College: Arts and Sciences
Brooklyn, NY“Hello! I have a fundraising page here that talks about my running journey and very personal connection to a charity that I’m raising money and awareness for.”
Lauren Kann ’21
College: Cornell CALS
Suffern, NY“I’m excited to be running in support of Team Blue Card, raising funds and awareness for Holocaust survivors that live at or below the poverty line in the US. This work is particularly important to me as we see an increase in antisemitism and misinformation. Team Blue Card ensures that Holocaust survivors can live out their golden years with dignity and respect, without needing to choose between food or rent, medicine, or utility. I have always loved running, especially trail running, but with the right combination of geography, positive pressure, and opportunity, I will be taking the hobby to the next step with my first full marathon! I look forward to the challenge and excitement—and will definitely be keeping my eyes open for fellow Cornellians along the way.”
Adam Kushner MArch ’94
College: Cornell AAP
New York, NY“This will be my 35th NYC Marathon. I run because, for me as a lifelong New Yorker, this day is an incomparable Moveable Feast. It’s a love letter told in sweat and pain to the city that has formed me and shaped me into the person I have become. (Along with my time in Ithaca… of course.) I love the energy the crowds give us and it’s a palpable difference from any other race I have been part of.”
Taylor Lis ’20
College: Dyson School
New York, NY“Hi, Big Red family! My name is Taylor Lis and I am a Cornell University Class of 2020 graduate from the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. During my time on campus, I was also a member of the Women’s Lacrosse team and student director of the Big Red Leadership Institute.
I am currently living in New York City and am pursuing a dual MD/MBA degree at Weill Cornell Medicine and the Johnson School at Cornell Tech. I will be running the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon to support Strong Girls United, an amazing 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded on a mission to empower girls and women to be strong, confident, and resilient through sports and physical activity—something that has been so impactful to me growing up and throughout my time on campus.
The Cornell community has given me so much across the years, from an incredible education to my very best friends and memories that will last a lifetime. I couldn’t be more grateful for my time as a student or more proud to be part of this alumni network, and it would mean so much to me to have your support on race day. Best of luck to everyone else who will be hitting the road, and I hope to see some friendly Cornell faces on November 3!”
Dan Maas ’87
College: Cornell CALS
Ithaca, NY“Since 2014, I have had the pleasure to work for New York Road Runners (NYRR) supporting the New York City Marathon, New York City Half Marathon, and Brooklyn Half Marathon. My role involves the setup of the Race Communications Center, the coordination center that manages race and support operations, and management of the race day communications division. Supporting these races brings me to New York City three times each year and I work with an amazing team from NYRR and other supporting agencies and vendors. Many people don’t appreciate the enormous amount of work that goes into planning and executing these major events.
My favorite experience is seeing the excitement and enthusiasm of the runners during the week leading up to the race, as they cross the finish line, and the following day as they walk around the city proudly displaying their medals. The most amazing scene, that most people never experience, is walking out to the finish line late Sunday night and watching the final participants arrive. These runners continued along the 26.2-mile course long after it had officially closed and the support stations had shut down. These runners are met by a dedicated crowd of NYRR staff and volunteers who have stayed late to cheer on and welcome these determined participants across the finish line. It’s a wonderful ending to a long and exhausting but fulfilling week.”
Abigail Macaluso ’20
College: Cornell Engineering
New York, NY“As I train for my first marathon, I’m constantly reminded of how lucky I am to have my health and the ability to take on this challenge. I am running the NYC Marathon with Fred’s Team and raising money for ovarian cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. I am incredibly fortunate to play a part in the lifesaving work we do at MSK. It is an honor to work alongside brilliant doctors, scientists, and researchers who are pioneering novel ways of ending cancer for life.”
Peter Phillips ’75
College: Cornell Engineering
New York, NY“I have run every year starting in 1981. I have one of the longest active streaks and run to keep it going. I look forward to seeing the Cornell cheering section at Mile 25!”
Yelena Shtyrkalo ’09
College: Cornell CALS
Brooklyn, NY“I started running as a way to strengthen my mental health after a long and hard battle with postpartum depression and anxiety. The first day I put my sneakers on, I ran around two city blocks and felt like I couldn’t breathe, but I felt good mentally; I felt the start of the ‘runners high’ and so I continued. It took me about a month to be able to run a mile without stopping, but with time and persistence, I became a strong and confident runner.
To me, running represents my strength and it is a reminder of all I’ve overcome. Having postpartum depression was one of the most difficult things I’ve experienced, but I am grateful for my therapist who strongly encouraged me to do physical activities. Every time I reach a new goal in running, I get emotional because I am reminded of where I started and how much I am capable of. I love that my son is growing up with a healthy and strong mom, and he loves coming to my races and seeing my medals. Recently he started asking to race with me, and it brings me so much joy. Completing the NYC Marathon will be a celebration of the past few years of hard work, getting through injuries and setbacks, and accepting that I am strong and resilient.”
Jennifer Stewart Remedios MBA ’19
College: Johnson Graduate School of Management
Westchester, NY
Bib Number: 34397“This is my 6th NYC Marathon and I would be stoked to have the extra support from the Big Red community. I’m hoping to break four hours for the first time and could use all the help I can get!”
Chase Wickenheiser ’19
College: Arts and Sciences
New York, NY
Bib number: #15564242“I’m running the marathon in memory of my late-grandmother, Anne Snyder, who succumbed to cancer last November. My cousin, Brooke Holland, has raced in the NYC Marathon for the past three years to support my grandmother, and so given her recent passing, I’ll be joining Brooke and several other cousins to run in memory of my Mommom (grandmother)! Having the Cornell community there to support me as I run for my family will give me such confidence and reassurance!”
