Literacy in Community (LINC) is thrilled to be a charity partner for the 2026 New York City Marathon for the 4th year in a row.
LINC’s runners will complete the 26.2-mile journey through the five boroughs of New York City along with 60,000 participants on Sunday, November 1, and we could not be more proud to cheer them on. As they work up their endurance over the coming months, each member of LINC’s team will also be working to build resilience and confidence for families across New York by raising funds for early literacy. Their proceeds will go toward supporting LINC’s continued community-based work.
Our team has grown, and this year is composed of eight all-stars: Liam, Danielle, Natalie, Connor, Nolan, Brittany, Emily, and MW! Meet the 2026 team and learn more about why they are passionate about supporting early literacy.
Liam Dorpalen-Barry
I’m running for LINC because literacy has the power to change lives, but it’s also something bigger: it’s the foundation of an informed and healthy democratic system. A society that can read and write is one that can think critically, seek truth, and participate fully in its own future. Every child who learns to love reading is a step toward that society. Help Liam reach his fundraising goal here.
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Danielle Ranallo
Supporting LINC is meaningful to me because their work empowers parents and caregivers to be their children’s first teachers, creating lasting impact within families and communities. Through my marathon journey, I’m excited to help raise funds that will provide children with access to books, literacy programs, and the chance to discover a love of learning. Help Danielle reach her fundraising goal here.
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Natalie Beam
If you know me, you know how much I love reading. I’m fortunate that books were a constant in my childhood. At bedtime, on car rides, at the center of dinner-table conversations, and in diaries where I tested pen names for my future writing career. I was lucky to be surrounded by people who valued reading. Many children are not so fortunate. I’m honored to be running the New York City Marathon in support of Literacy In Community. Donate $50 or more and get a hand-knit beanie! Help Natalie reach her fundraising goal here.
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Connor Prior
Reading is a door opener and opportunity creator for children all around the world, enabling them to learn about themselves and the world around them, think creatively, imagine, and explore. There is a daunting discrepancy in access to early childhood education in New York, with underserved communities lacking access to educational resources for their children when it matters most. Help Connor reach his fundraising goal here.
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Nolan Dilorio
I have always been an avid reader and was fortunate to develop a love for reading at an early age. For that reason, I am honored to be representing Literacy in Community (LINC) in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon. Through my wife’s work as a literacy specialist, I have seen firsthand the joy and power of a child falling in love with reading. Through partnering with LINC, I am hoping to provide the same opportunity for readers all across the city to unlock their potential. Help Nolan reach his fundraising goal here.
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Brittany Zeeb
Reading has always been at the heart of who I am. As a student, I fell in love with reading, and later as a Special Education teacher in Teach For America, I loved building that same love in others. There’s a quote I carry with me from my mentor: “Literacy is the instruction in freedom. Free to learn, to dream, to advocate for yourself.” Help Brittany reach her fundraising goal here.
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Emily Zenner
As an avid reader, I am such an advocate for early childhood education, and think the LINC team and community are doing something truly special. LINC works directly with parents, local leaders, schools and neighborhood spots to ensure kids have a supportive, reading-friendly environment. Learning to read is fundamental to childhood education – if a child falls behind early, it creates an uphill battle for the rest of their education. LINC aims to close the literacy gap before it even starts. Help Emily reach her fundraising goal here.
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MW Floyd
I am so proud of LINC for all of the work that they do to help educate the young minds of New York City, and glad to help fund such important service. It is an honor and a privilege to be running the New York City Marathon for Team LINC! Running 26.2 miles will take everything I’ve got, but it pales in comparison to the work LINC does year-round. As a born-and-bred New Yorker, I am proud to be doing a small part to make sure that LINC can further their impact. Help MW reach his fundraising goal here.
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Go Team LINC! Please join us in supporting them as they run for little readers.