Miles For Paws Team Runs Half Marathon for NYC’s Animals

A dedicated group of runners who support the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals through their participation in Miles For Paws hit the ground running on Sunday, March 20, in the United Airlines NYC Half Marathon.

Miles For Paws is the animal welfare charity fitness team of the Alliance that helps to increase awareness and raise funds to benefit the littlest New Yorkers. The Alliance — and NYC’s homeless pets — salute these spirited athletes whose efforts so far have raised $8,935 to help make New York City a better place for animals.

Meet Our Miles For Paws Team

Valerie Yates
Valerie Yates is running her 6th race for the Miles For Paws pack. “When I read about the Alliance’s mission to transform New York City into a community where no dogs or cats of reasonable health or temperament are killed simply because they do not have homes, I knew I wanted to support them. I am honored to be running again and supporting the Alliance’s goals. It is my dream that every animal has a warm, loving home with a full belly and the Alliance is helping this become a reality.”

Mary Margaret Colleary
Mary Margaret Colleary says “Ellie is the 2-year old pit bull mix and cherished new member of my family, pictured with me here right after we adopted her from Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) last summer. I run for all the homeless dogs and cats still inside the shelters. With the continued help and dedication of Mayor’s Alliance, the lives of so many NYC shelter animals are saved, and I’m proud to be part of the pack.”

Mackenzie Reif
Mackenzie Reif says “I chose to run with Miles For Paws because my boyfriend and I just recently adopted our dog Gary from a shelter, and he is one of the best things to have ever happened to us. He is the sweetest most lovable dog, and we couldn’t have wished for a better pup! The shelter we adopted him from, had rescued his mom and her litter. We are so happy they got there in time, because Gary is the best dog anyone could ask for.”

Rebekah Epstein
Rebekah Epstein is “running the half marathon for the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals because all of our pets have been rescues. I’m very excited for March 20th and hope that more people will donate to this amazing cause. This is Mozer Jones Epstein-Landrum, the day he left ACC. His tail was cut because he wagged it so hard in his cage and he had kennel cough, but we loved him at first sight.”

Randy Wang
Randy Wang says “I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of such a worthy cause. I run for my 3-year-old baby, Dax. He is the love of my life and there is nothing I wouldn’t do for him. Every animal deserves the opportunity to be loved and to give love. Our world would be so much better if everyone had a puppy (I am slightly biased to doggies) to come home to, each and every night.”