Summary

Team ASF Runner Jim McGuire'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 Jim McGuire, an ASF volunteer running in the marathon, to get to know him a little better and learn what inspires him to take part in this incredible journey. Please consider donating to Jim’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?

JM: I have wanted to run the NYC Marathon for some time now. NYC is my hometown and there is something about being out on the streets and seeing all parts of the city from the road that really makes you feel connected to the city.

ASF: What has been the most challenging part of your marathon training?

JM: I am so glad that it is cooler now, the hardest part for me is running when it is hot! Summer heat and humidity are not my friends.

ASF: You ran a marathon 20 years ago. How was preparing for that one different from preparing for this one?

JM: They did not have carbon plate running shoes 20 years ago. I do like to go as fast as I can and those are so much fun to race in.

ASF: What are you doing during the time leading up to a long run?

JM: I try not to think about it too much, just get out and go. I heard about the Kenyan Shuffle, which is on those days when you just are having a tough time getting going, start off ridiculously slow, almost a walk, just to get going. You let your body warm up, you loosen up and before you know it you are up and running.

ASF: What do you listen to while you run?

JM: When I am on a long slow run I like to listen to books, I have been working through the Children of Time series – great books! When I am running fast I have my playlist that features lots of QOTSA, The Black Keys and a bit of Primus has made it back in lately. 

ASF: WIf you could run anywhere in the world, where would it be?

JM: When I travel for work or vacation, I like to sneak out early and do a run wherever we are.  I get to see the city while it is still quiet. Last summer we were in Rome, running past the ancient sights in Rome in the early morning was magical. It would be great to do that again some day.

ASF: How do you plan on celebrating after crossing the finish line?

JM: Taking a nap!

ASF: Is there a specific part of the marathon you’re looking forward to the most?

JM: NYC is my home town, I live in Chelsea and I am looking forward to seeing the whole city. More specifically, I am looking forward to hitting the bridges. The views are great.

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

JM: What I love about the Adaptive Sports Foundation is just being able to get outside with other athletes and do sports we love. Get out there and have fun. Running is the way I do that when there is no snow to ski on, and running for ASF keeps it all connected. Just get out there, do what you love, and help others do the same.

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