Kirk and Kennedy Reynolds
To run in the New York Marathon is the dream of many distance runners. To do it, though, takes more than dedication to daily training.
It takes an entry bib, and that is where Kirk and Kennedy Reynolds of Ridgefield come in. They operate a non-profit organization recognized in the state of New York as providing charitable services for New York City youth and have been provided with five entry bibs for the New York Marathon, scheduled for Nov. 6, 2016.
“It’s first come, first serve,” said Kennedy, who moved to town with her husband a year ago.
“This offers somebody a great opportunity to get the run of a lifetime and support a great cause.”
The couple runs a business, Discover Outdoors, in New York City, specializing in outdoor adventure travel. They also have a charitable non-profit foundation, Discover Outdoors Foundation, which qualified them to offer the marathon entry bibs.
“Our bread and butter is getting city folks to discover the outdoors on day trips around the Northeast. We also run international trips, all over the world, that’s what the company does. We have a flourishing youth program through our non-profit for New York City schools, which started in 2013 when my husband discovered a lot of schools couldn’t afford our services, so he started a non-profit for them.”
Some of the money from the main business goes to the non-profit, so the clients feel good about giving, too. “They feel awesome, because when they’re rock climbing, or whatever they spend, helps us give back to these students,” she said.
Raising money for the foundation is what the marathon drive is all about.
The commitment for a bib is to raise $3,000 in contributions for the Discover Outdoors Foundation. A runner who cannot raise that amount must personally make up the difference so that $3,000 goes to the foundation.
The marathon is 26.2 miles, traveling through all the five boroughs, Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx, so there is plenty of room for attracting sponsors.
“I’ve run it six times; it’s the best marathon,” Kennedy said.
The couple had entry bibs for the Boston Marathon as well, but those were snapped up quickly. That event comes in the spring, so there is more lead time for the New York Marathon, she said.
“People will have plenty of time to raise those funds and draw attention to the foundation,” she said.
If interested in raising funds for an opportunity to participate in the New York Marathon, contact Kirk by email at kirk@discoveroutdoors.com.
Running a marathon is hard work, but it’s a great feeling of accomplishment.
“I do get a runner’s high, I really do,” Kennedy said. “I’m a different person after running.”
It’s often a solitary pursuit.
“I personally like to run alone and breathe and think and disappear for a little bit,” she said. “You come back immediately revived.”
For those who have never run a marathon, it’s a question of why not.
“It’s one of those things, you make a decision, and over a few months of training, you realize you can do it,” Kirk said.
More than 40,000 runners are expected to participate in the New York Marathon.
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