Summary

Team ASF Runner Brian Conneely's NYC Marathon QandA

There will be eight runners representing Team ASF in the upcoming 2026 TCS New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 1. Will Boelter, Peter Conlan, Noah Cottrell, Phillip Hampton, William Reed and Maeve Riordan all received bibs in the marathon to raise money and awareness for the ASF, while Brian Conneely and Jim McGuire already had bibs for the marathon, but would like to take the opportunity to help the ASF as well!

We caught up with Brian Conneely, the new Seasonal Programs Manager here at the ASF, to get to know him a little better and learn what inspires him to take part in this incredible journey. Please consider donating to Brian’s fundraising page by clicking here.

ASF: Running a marathon is no easy feat. What inspires you to participate in the TCS New York City Marathon?

BC: I completed my first marathon in 2017, which I ran in honor of a cousin of mine who was an NYPD Sergeant that passed away from cancer related to September 11th.  After completing the marathon I was ready to sign up again. The experience of the NYC marathon is unlike any other with an amazing crowd and participants from all walks of life. It is an amazing day in NYC and I am glad I am able to run it!

ASF: Do you have a favorite place to run?

BC: I travel a lot for work so I enjoy finding new routes around wherever I am across the country. It’s great to run in Chicago along the lake, we have some family in Atlanta and it’s great to stay with them and get some runs in, Dallas has some great trails to run on right through the city, the Las Vegas Strip is interesting to run on in the morning. Closer to home on Long Island, there are some great state parks and the Windham Path and South Street are some favorites in Windham.

ASF: What is your go-to post-run meal?

BC: Grilled chicken with some pasta is a go-to for me.

ASF: When did you discover that long-distance running was a hobby of yours?

BC: About 10 years ago I started running distance as a good way to exercise and I have been hooked since!

ASF: What part of your training regiment has been your favorite?

BC: Just the structure of following a plan with a goal to achieve at the end.

ASF: Who will be alongside the route sheering for you on marathon day?

BC: We will have family and friends following me around NYC during the day.

ASF: Finish this sentence: “When I cross the finish line, I’ll be thinking about…”

BC: Getting something to eat!

ASF: What are you looking forward to seeing on marathon day?

BC: The different communities along the route and the parties along the way is great. I explain it as running through a 26-mile block party!

ASF: What does running for the Adaptive Sports Foundation mean to you, personally?

BC: I have been around the ASF for almost 20 years – first as a parent of a participant, then as a volunteer and now on staff as helping run the Seasonal Programs. It is an organization that has had an incredibly positive impact on my entire family and I am proud of the work we are able to do for our athletes and their families. 

Good Luck Brian, and thank you for choosing to run with Team ASF in the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon!