As we gear up for the 2024 New York City Marathon, we’re excited to introduce the amazing team of runners from the Cultural Care Au Pair community. They are representing and fundraising for Cultural Care Kids First Foundation as they train and run the marathon on November 3, 2024. Each year, we’re proud to have a dedicated group of individuals take on this challenge, with each person bringing their own motivation. Together, they embody the dedication and determination it takes to complete one of the world’s most famous races. Learn more about this year's runners:
Amina, Cultural Care Staff Member
Running in support of Kids First because: I run for Kids First because it allows me to do something I love while making a difference for what matters most to me—helping where it's needed the most.
Advice to runners: Just sign up for that race!
Running mantra: The faster I run, the sooner I’m done.
Favorite running music: Worship music
Go to cross-training: Strength training
Snack of choice: Natural gels with honey and sea salt
Learned through this journey: I can run much further and longer than I thought. It’s all in your head.
B.G., Host Dad
Running in support of Kids First because: Cultural Care supports families and kids all around the world in many, many ways. The Kids First Foundation is just another way that Cultural Care carries out their mission of making the lives of children better globally, something I could not be more honored to help support and bring attention to.
Advice to runners: You don’t have to run hard to get better, just run long, but easy!
Running mantra: Where else would you rather be?!
Favorite running music: Soft EDM
Go to cross-training: HIIT workouts and squash
Snack of choice: Gu Gel and Nuun!
Learned through this journey: I’ve learned to enjoy the process of training through long, easy runs. There’s a cathartic side to it I didn’t expect.
Blythe, Host Mom
Running in support of Kids First because: I'm excited to run in support of Kids First as I have experienced firsthand how Cultural Care supports, nurtures, and guides au pairs and host families through their respective journeys. I trust a charitable organization managed by Cultural Care will apply the same diligence to their fundraising and grant recipient selections.
Advice to runners: Believe in the warmup. Mile two is always easier than mile one.
Running mantra: Let’s go!
Favorite running music: Bob Seger’s Still the Same
Go to cross-training: Biking
Snack of choice: Butter and jam on a roll
Learned through this journey: I might beat my time from 18 years ago!
Caroline, Au Pair
Running in support of Kids First because: I wish to run for this association to help children dream. If I can run the marathon, it will prove to them that they can do whatever they want in life!
Advice to runners: Trust yourself. If you think you can do it, you can!
Running mantra: Trust the process.
Favorite running music: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Snack of choice: Energy waffles
Learned through this journey: I can actually do it if I want to.
Chavón, Au Pair
Running in support of Kids First because: Running the NYC Marathon with Cultural Care and Kids First intertwines my strides with purpose, weaving dreams into reality for children's education and nurturing. Every step echoes hope and transformation on New York City's streets.
Advice to runners: Focus on yourself and don’t compare yourself to other runners.
Running mantra: Just keep running, running, running…(Inspired by Finding Nemo)
Favorite running music: Christian podcasts
Snack of choice: Goop
Learned through this journey: You can do anything!
Jeanne, Au Pair
Running in support of Kids First because: I'm running to support Kids First because I believe in the cause. I want to be an example of bravery and belief for the children, showing them that they can overcome any challenge.
Advice to runners: Never give up!
Running mantra: Every step taken is a victory.
Favorite running music: Anything that gives energy
Snack of choice: Energy gel
Learned through this journey: Even after a long workday, I still find energy to run.
Kerrin, Cultural Care Staff Member
Running in support of Kids First because: I'm thrilled to be running my first marathon with Kids First, having witnessed the foundation’s global impact on children in need. As part of the Cultural Care family, I’m so excited to contribute to this amazing cause!
Advice to runners: Take it one step at a time and remember why you're doing this.
Running mantra: You can do this.
Go to cross-training: Spin classes
Snack of choice: Huma chai energy gels for a boost on long runs
Learned through this journey: So many challenges are mental. With a positive attitude, you can achieve more than you ever thought possible.
Laura, Cultural Care Staff Member
Running in support of Kids First because: I've always loved having challenges because it makes you grow! Running the marathon is a personal challenge, but also running in support of Kids First is a great opportunity to make an impact for kids in need. Just giving a few hours of my time and effort makes me embrace that challenge with a smile!
Advice to runners: Enjoy your runs and train!
Running mantra: You are amazing! You’re an example, I’m so proud of you.
Favorite running music: Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour
Go to cross-training: Fitness exercises
Learned through this journey: I used to hate running, but now, nothing is impossible! I told myself I would never run—look at me now.
Miriam, Local Childcare Consultant
Running in support of Kids First because: Kids First motivated me to run for a purpose to help kids in need. Last year, they built a garden [at an orphanage for abandoned kids] in Mexico, and that inspired me to help the children of my country!
Advice to runners: Enjoy every mile.
Running mantra: 3 songs, 1 mile! Enjoy.
Favorite running music: I Gotta Feeling
Go to cross-training: Orangetheory
Snack of choice: Water
Learned through this journey: I can do my best every day.
Sam, Host Dad
Running in support of Kids First because: I am very excited to run the NYC marathon as I have qualified for the Boston Marathon, a longstanding goal. In addition to this opportunity, I am thrilled to further the Kids First goals through this fundraising venture.
Advice to runners: Run the mile you’re in—focus on the moment, not the race.
Running mantra: You got this.
Favorite running music: Don’t Stop Believin’
Go to cross-training: Swimming
Snack of choice: Cliff bar
Learned through this journey: Age really does catch up to you.
Saskia, Au Pair
Running in support of Kids First because: Running in support of Kids First gives me the opportunity to support children in need while ticking off a major bucket list item. Every mile I run supports a child in need, and that's an incredible feeling.
Advice to runners: The first two miles are the hardest. A positive attitude is key.
Running mantra: You can do difficult things.
Favorite running music: Up by Forrest Frank
Snack of choice: Beef chomps
Learned through this journey: I’m better at running faster than long distances, but I’m improving every week.
Each runner’s journey is unique, but together they share a commitment to helping children through Kids First. Every mile they run makes a difference, bringing them closer to their personal goals and supporting children in need around the world. We can’t wait to cheer them on!
