With the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon less than a month away, Cooking for Change Champion runner Morgan Golumbuk is deep into the final stretch of training for 26.2 miles through New York City’s five boroughs.
On November 1, she’ll take on the NYC Marathon in support of The Sylvia Center and our work helping young people and families build the skills and confidence to cook nourishing food.
But first: a few more miles.
From Manhattan top to bottom
Morgan’s recent training included one particularly memorable Friday morning: a 30-kilometer (18.6-mile) sunrise run from Brooklyn Heights to Marble Hill—the northernmost tip of Manhattan—and back down the length of the island before heading home.
“My legs were jelly by the end, but it was so much fun and a great training memory,” she says.
It’s just one of many places running has taken her this year. Since returning to the sport, Morgan has logged miles in Berlin, Montreal, Cape Cod, Las Vegas, and all over New York—including an impromptu run to Coney Island Beach on a hot Friday morning.
“It has been so fun to explore both new and familiar places through a different lens.”
She hasn’t been doing it alone. Morgan joined Brooklyn Heights Run Club shortly before marathon training began and credits the community around her with keeping her moving through the harder miles.
“Being able to rely on a community of wonderful friends to support and propel me has been invaluable,” she says, with a special shoutout to her longtime training partners and “ultimate pace pushers,” Joe and Spencer.
Why Morgan is running for The Sylvia Center
Morgan has worked for The Sylvia Center’s parent company, Great Performances, for almost nine years—giving her a firsthand view of our work and its impact.
“I spend a significant amount of my time thinking about food and the way that it makes me and others feel—both in my work and personal lives—and I love that TSC centers that mission and brings awareness and education to young people and families in the region,” she says.
Now, every training mile is helping her give back.
And after years of watching the NYC Marathon from the sidelines, there’s one thing Morgan is especially excited to experience from inside the course.
“The energy!!! As a spectator of many years, it is infectious and reflective of all of the best qualities of New York and New Yorkers. It means so much to me to be part of the action for the very first time this year—I can’t wait!”
Support Our Team
On November 1, Morgan will join thousands of runners taking on 26.2 miles across New York City. By supporting all our Cooking for Change Champions, you’re helping The Sylvia Center give young people and families hands-on opportunities to cook, taste, learn, and build confidence around food.
Cheer Morgan on and support Cooking for Change Champions by making a donation today.
