Running for me is my “peace.” For just a small moment in the day, I can tune everything out and engage in a sort of personal meditation. This near daily ritual of mine has become my passion because it is something that I can work to get better at every day. Naturally, I wanted to take that passion into a goal of running a marathon. I became a marathon runner because I wanted to prove to myself, the people that know me, and the entire world that I’m capable of doing something incredible. That great mental and physical barriers can be overcome with sheer will, rigorous discipline, and strict adherence to a structured training plan. I wanted to prove that someone with an “average” background like me, with no innate physical talents, can accomplish this physical feat. All I had were my running shoes and a belief in myself that I could do this. Finishing my first marathon gave me a huge confidence boost in myself and instilled within me the belief that you can accomplish your goals if you believe in yourself and work hard every day.

I’m running as a Charity Partner for the Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club because I support the organization’s goal of preserving traditional Chinese culture through community building and social events like lion dancing, martial arts, and athletics. Growing up in Los Angeles as a second-generation Chinese-American, or ABC, I recognized the importance of these types of social settings for my community. Whether it be the library, local community center, boba shop, or dim sum restaurant, I saw the importance that these places held for the Chinese-American community in LA. I believe community and social networks, the people around us, form the basic building blocks of our society. It provides our youth a sense of belonging, purpose, and direction in their lives. These “third spaces” are critical in an age where social media platforms have increasingly monopolized our attention span and shifted our focus on what we should value in life.

I am Alice Hou, the daughter of Chinese immigrants, a college graduate from The University of Texas at Austin and a Technology PM at Bank of America in NYC for the last two years. Welcome to my first ever marathon journey! I am running to support The Chinese FreeMasons Athletic Club. Growing up in Texas, I struggled with my Chinese-American identity and fitting in with my peers. I connected with my heritage through traditional Chinese dance, where I learned to embrace and take pride in my Chinese roots.

It wasn’t until I moved to New York post grad that I began running. I sought out run clubs as a way to meet new people, which ultimately led me to finding Run For Chinatown. RFC connected me with a vibrant running community of like-minded Chinese Americans and introduced me to The Chinese FreeMasons Athletic Club. I strongly believe in CFMAC’s mission of educating our youth about Chinese heritage and providing them a safe space in Chinatown (via the recreational center) to congregate. I am running this marathon for CFMAC to pay it forward to a cultural community that has given me so much and to the next generation of Chinese Americans in NYC. Your donation, however big or small, will directly support CFMAC’s efforts in Chinatown. Thank you in advance for supporting me and this incredible cause!

David Tan, a 28-year-old first-generation Filipino American—New York City born and Jersey raised—is lacing up for the NYC Marathon.

After crossing the finish line of his first half marathon in Brooklyn this past April, he's all in and preparing for his biggest challenge yet: running his first full marathon in the city of his birth.

Inspired by the energy, grit, and diversity of NYC, he's not just running for personal achievement but also to give back. This year, he's proud to raise funds for the New York City Chinese Freemasons Athletic Club, supporting youth development and community through sport. With every mile, he's honoring his roots, celebrating culture, and pushing limits.