New Destiny is proud to participate for the third year as an Official Charity Partner of the TCS New York City Marathon, taking place on November 1, 2026.
This year we have our largest team ever — 11 incredible runners — taking on 26.2 miles through all five of New York City’s boroughs, finishing in Manhattan’s iconic Central Park.
Every dollar raised supports our mission to help domestic violence survivors find safe homes they can afford and the support to rebuild their lives. Join us in cheering on Team New Destiny!
Nicole Branca
Nicole Branca is our Chief Executive Officer. This will be her 6th marathon, proudly her 3rd for New Destiny.
Fun Fact: The 1st thing I pack when I travel are my running shoes. I’ve run in 19 states (plus DC and Puerto Rico) and 13 countries, some as long runs and some as short ones, but almost all ending with a chocolate pastry.
Leighanne Farrelly
Hi, I’m Leighann, owner of a Lower East side cocktail bar and self-taught pastry chef that thrives on creating spaces that bring people together. I am honored to be running the NYC Marathon with New Destiny Housing in support of their incredible work.
Fun Fact: I create a unique playlist for each race I’m training for with a wide range of genres and artists to keep the energy moving. My current list includes everything from the Bacall remix of Toto’s Africa to Bulls on Parade by Rage Against the Machine and King of My Castle by Purple Disco Machine.
Kayla Harris
I am fulfilling a longtime goal of mine by running my first World Major Marathon this year at NYC! When I’m not running, I enjoy traveling, making sourdough, gardening, and spending time at home with my husband, Jeff, and our two cats, Clementine and Cleo.
Fun Fact: My favorite song to run to is “I’ll Believe in Anything” by Wolf Parade.
Brianna Hubbell
My name is Briana Hubbell, I am a business owner and mom of 3 who is excited to run her first marathon since having kids. This will be my 4th marathon! I am running in honor of my late friend Christina, who inspired me to get my running shoes back on and accomplish big things. Christina passed away as a victim of domestic violence and that is why the New Destiny mission is so important to me. I’m scared and excited to run again!
Fun Fact: My favorite song to run to is Bad Bunny’s “Nueva Yol” !
Ernest Ialongo
This is my third NYC Marathon for New Destiny, my fifth overall, and just about twenty half-marathons in between. I’m an Historian by training, an academic administrator and governance leader by choice, a runner seemingly by accident, and a swimmer for the balance.
Johanna Juarez
Fun Fact: I love listening to “Dream On” by Aerosmith and “Stronger” by Kanye West especially when I’m running inclines.
Yahaira Rodriguez
Fun Fact: My favorite songs to run or workout to are “Nueva Yol” by Bad Bunny, and “Fighter” by Christina Aguilera.
Mary Virginia Spencer
I’ve been running since I was 10! It brings me a lot of joy and I’ve kept it up ever since. My favorite place to run is on the Brooklyn Promenade, but Central Park is a close 2nd.
Fun Fact: A go-to running song is the classic ‘Untouched’ by The Veronicas.
Emily Thulier
Running keeps me grounded, motivated, and better connected to people and place. I live close to Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and I feel so lucky for the ability to run through this beautiful landscape & witness all the life that happens in and around the park.
Questions? Contact us at MarathonTeam@newdestinyhousing.org, we’d love to hear from you.
If you already have a 2026 TCS New York City Marathon entry and would like to fundraise on behalf of New Destiny, please email us at MarathonTeam@newdestinyhousing.org. Be sure to include in the body of the email that you are already registered for the marathon. We have a limited number of bibs, but we’d love to have more runners join the New Destiny Team.